Opisthotropis latouchii


Opisthotropis latouchii, also known commonly as the Sichuan mountain keelback, is a species of snake in the subfamily Natricinae of the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to China.

Etymology

O. latouchii is named after French-born Irish naturalist John David Digues La Touche, who worked in China as a customs inspector for many years.

Geographic range

O. latouchii is found in southeastern China.

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of O. latouchii is freshwater streams, but it is also found in rice paddies and irrigation ditches.

Behavior

O. latouchii is nocturnal.

Diet

O. latouchii preys upon aquatic worms, earthworms, freshwater shrimp, fishes, tadpoles, and frogs.

Reproduction

O. latouchii is oviparous. In Fujian adult females lay eggs in August.