Trimerodytes percarinatus


Trimerodytes percarinatus, commonly known as the eastern water snake, olive keelback, olive annulate keelback or Chinese keelback water snake, is a species of snake in the subfamily Natricinae.

Taxonomy

The type locality for T. percarinatus is Guadun, Wuyishan City in NW Fujian, China.

Subspecies

The subspecies Trimerodytes percarinatus suriki is endemic to Taiwan where it occurs in the whole country.

Description

T. percarinatus is a defensive snake that bites readily when caught, but it is not venomous. It is a medium-sized snake, typically attaining a total length of, but may grow up to. An adult female usually lays 4 to 13 eggs, but may lay as many as 25 eggs.

Distribution and habitat

T. percarinatus is found in NE India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, S China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. It is an aquatic species associated with hilly areas.

Diet

T. percarinatus preys on shrimps, frogs, and fish.