Probably one of the most common snakes you can see during daytime in the city is the yellow-spotted keelback (Fowlea flavipunctatus). This small non-venomous snake has an attractive yellowish to olive green color decorated with black markings over the body and a couple of beautiful black lines below the eyes.

This particular snake can grow up to 80 cm in length and can be seen during the day or at night lurking in the bushes or water bodies, searching for a frog or fish to eat.

This beautiful snake is also characterized by having rear fangs that won’t allow the bitten prey to pull back and escape.

Despite the fact that yellow keelbacks don’t produce venom, this snake can be aggressive when bothered and can send a quick bite that of course shouldn’t be taken lightly as it could result in an infection.

This species has been reported to be highly adapted to urban environments and you can easily see it in public parks such as Honghu Park, the Dasha River Corridor and Shenzhen Bay Park. They play an important role in the control of other species’ populations but also serve as food for larger snakes and birds.

Let’s continue our efforts to protect all of the beautiful species that inhabit the fabulous city of Shenzhen!

2021.04.27

A yellow-spotted keelback is seen at OCT Wetland Park in Nanshan District.