Enhydris plumbea (Boie, 1827)
Plumbeous Water Snake 鉛色水蛇
(Mildly venomous)
Suborder
Serpentes 蛇亞目
Head spade-shaped. Nostrils open on top of snout. Eyes protuberant.
A think black line extends from vent to tail tip. Tail Short. Scale smooth.
With two enlarged rear fangs. Mildly venomous, bites cause slight swelling.
Resembles Anderson's Stream Snake (Opisthotropis andersonii), but separated by its stout body, smooth scales, large rounded head and lowland habitat.
Aquatic, lowland species.
Found in stagnant, muddy water, e.g. ponds, swamp, water sumps in cultivated field and slow streams.
Usually seen lying motionless in still water, with head slightly protruding from the surface to take air.
Occasionally found hiding beneath objects.
Absent from large deep fish ponds, where Chinese Water Snake (Enhydris chinensis) is dominant.
If disturbed, will dive into the muddy bottom.
Will flatten its body and snap viciously when handled roughly.
If then placed on the ground, will assume a S-shaped and make a series of jumps to escape.
A captive female gave birth to 5 young snakes.
Occurs in southern China, Taiwan and Southeast Asia.
China Redlist: Least Concern
