Indo-Chinese Sand Snake

งูม่านทอง.

Psammophis indochinensis.

The Indo-Chinese Sand Snake is an attractive, slender snake that occurs in the northwestern parts and central plains of Thailand.

Being mainly diurnal and preying on lizards, the snakes from the Psammomphis genus were named after their lifestyle of preferring sandy habitats (Psammophis derives from Greek, literally translating to "sand snake"). It is rear-fanged and mildly venomous, but poses no danger to humans.

The Indo-Chinese Sand Snake may very likely possess the skill of tail autotomy, which is quite rare and unique in snakes. Researchers, while trying to determine the sex of a caught individual, observed that most wet specimens of this species (which were used for further research) had no tail. Since many other members of the Psammophis genus are able to lose their tails it can be assumed that the Indo-Chinese Sand Snake is no exception. Another snake that is known for tail autotomy and which also is an inhabitant of the Thai fauna is The Checkered Keelback (Fowlea piscator).

Snakes Of Thailand