Family : PAREIDAE
Species : Aplopeltura boa
Maximum Size : 85 cm

Aplopeltura boa (Blunt-headed Slug Snake) inhabits lowland and lower montane forests, up to elevations of around 1500 metres. It is nocturnal and arboreal in habits, and is typically found perched on low vegetation.

It is known to feed on slugs and snails, and possibly small vertebrates (e.g. small lizards).

As an unusual defensive posture this snake coils itself up like a spring. This may possibly be unique to the species.

Its body is slender and laterally compressed, and its head is short and blunt. It is greenish brown to reddish brown, with the latter colour comprising vaguely-defined saddles. Some examples may bear cream spots on the flanks.  Its tail is around one-third the length of its body. There are pale markings on the head, and the eyes are large.

Aplopeltura boa is recorded from Myanmar, southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra (including Nias and Bangka), Borneo (including the Natuna Islands) and Java. It also occurs on many islands of the Philippines, including the larger islands of Luzon, Mindanao and Palawan.

Figs 1 and 2 : Example from Maxwell Hill, Peninsular Malaysia (elevation of around 1100 metres). Photos thanks to Noel Thomas.

Fig 3 : Example from Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo found in primary forest at night.  Photo thanks to Sankar Ananthanarayanan.


References :

Das, I., 2004. Lizards of Borneo - A Pocket Guide. Natural History Publications (Borneo) Sdn. Bhd.