Field guide
Sri Lanka pipe snake
දෙපත් නයා · depath naya
Cylindrophis maculatus
Non-venomous Endemic
An endemic burrower that flashes a red-and-black underside to bluff predators.
How to identify
1Cylindrical body, blunt at both ends
2Coral-red and black chequered belly
3Raises and flattens its tail to mimic a head
Good to know
Non-venomous and harmless. Clean the bite with soap and water and apply a dressing.
Up to 0.4 m
Length
Nocturnal & fossorial
Active
Earthworms and other burrowing invertebrates and small snakes
Diet
Where it's found
Wet zoneIntermediate zoneHill country
Moist soil, leaf litter, paddy bunds and gardens.