Russell’s viper is a highly venomous snake native to South Asia.

Identification: Russell’s Viper is a thick-bodied snake with a striking pattern of chain-like, oval shapes along its body, which vary in color from tan to brown. Its head is distinctly triangular and wider than the neck, with a prominent ridge above each eye, giving it an alert expression. Adults often reach up to 5 feet in length, though they vary based on habitat.

Behavior: Known for its irritable nature, Russell’s Viper hisses loudly when disturbed and may strike rapidly if provoked. It’s primarily nocturnal but is often spotted basking in the sun during the cooler months. Found in fields, grasslands, and even urban edges, this viper is known to cause numerous bites due to its proximity to human habitats.

ಮಂಡಲ ಹಾವು
അണലി

The Indian cobra, also known commonly as the spectacled cobra is native to the Indian subcontinent.

Identification: The Spectacled Cobra is a slender snake, typically around 4-6 feet long, with a glossy body that ranges from yellowish-brown to dark brown or black. Its most distinctive feature is the “spectacle” or hood mark on the back of its head, shaped like two circular spots connected by a line, resembling a pair of glasses. When threatened, it spreads its hood as a defensive display, making it easy to identify.

Behavior: The Spectacled Cobra is generally shy but will defend itself vigorously if cornered. It is active during the day, hunting rodents, frogs, and other small animals, which brings it close to human settlements. Although it prefers to flee, it will deliver a fast, accurate strike if provoked, making it one of India’s most respected and feared snakes.

ನಾಗರಹಾವು
മൂർഖൻ

The common krait, also known as Bengal krait, is a species native to the Indian subcontinent.

Identification: The Common Krait is a slender snake, typically dark bluish-black or glossy black with narrow white bands across its body. These bands are more prominent in younger individuals and often become faded or less distinct with age. Notice that they have double white bands which can easily be confused with the non-venomous Indian Wolf Snake which has only single bands.

Behavior: This snake is highly nocturnal and reclusive, hiding in burrows, under debris, or in dense vegetation during the day. Known for its potent neurotoxic venom, the Krait is usually docile when encountered in daylight but becomes more aggressive and active at night. It primarily feeds on other snakes, including its own kind, as well as small mammals and lizards. Despite its shy nature, bites can happen when people accidentally step on or disturb it at night, making the Krait one of India’s most dangerous snakes to encounter after dark.

ಕಟ್ಟು ಹಾವು, ಕಟ್ಟಿಗೆ ಹಾವು
വെള്ളിക്കെട്ടൻ

Identification: The Rat Snake is a long, slender, and agile snake, commonly ranging from 6 to 8 feet in length. Its color varies from olive green to brown or black, sometimes with faint crossbars on the body. It has a narrow head with large, round eyes that give it a curious appearance, distinguishing it from venomous snakes with broader heads. They also have distinct black lines on their face and towards the end of the body.

Behavior: Non-venomous and generally harmless, the Rat Snake is a skilled climber and fast mover. It’s highly active during the day, often found in fields, forests, and even urban areas, where it helps control rodent populations. While usually docile, it may hiss, flatten its head, or mimic a cobra’s posture if threatened. Despite its intimidating behavior when cornered, the Rat Snake is a beneficial neighbor and plays an important role in balancing local ecosystems.

ಕೇರೆಹಾವು
ചേര

Identification: The Checkered Keelback, also known as the Asiatic Water Snake, is a medium-sized, robust snake usually measuring around 3 to 4 feet. It has a distinctive checkered pattern along its back, with alternating dark and light squares that give it a “checkered” look. The scales are strongly keeled, giving its body a rough texture, and it typically has an olive-green to brownish color with lighter shades underneath.

Behavior: Primarily aquatic, the Checkered Keelback is commonly found near ponds, streams, and other freshwater bodies. It’s an excellent swimmer and is frequently seen hunting small fish, frogs, and other aquatic prey. Although non-venomous, it can be defensive and quick to bite if handled, but poses no real danger to humans. This snake often gets mistaken for a venomous snake due to its defensive behavior and habitat but is harmless and plays an essential role in keeping aquatic ecosystems balanced.

ನೀರಾವು
നീർക്കോലി

Identification: The Buff-striped Keelback is a slender, medium-sized snake, typically around 2 to 3 feet long. It is easily recognizable by two pale yellow or buff-colored stripes running along each side of its back, from head to tail. The body color varies from olive green to brown, with keeled scales giving it a slightly rough texture. Its head is small and slightly elongated, blending seamlessly into the neck.

Behavior: This non-venomous snake is diurnal and terrestrial, often found near water sources like ponds, rice fields, and gardens. It feeds primarily on small amphibians, insects, and occasionally fish. Generally shy and non-aggressive, the Buff-striped Keelback prefers to flee rather than confront, though it may flatten its body or make jerky movements when threatened to appear larger. Harmless to humans, it is a helpful presence in agricultural areas due to its diet of pest species.

ಪಟ್ಟೆಬೆನ್ನೇಣುಹಾವು
തെയ്യാൻ പാമ്പ്

Identification: The Anamalai Wolf Snake is a small, slender snake, usually reaching about 1 to 2 feet in length. It has a glossy, dark brown or black body adorned with thin, white or pale yellow bands, often giving it a resemblance to the Common Krait, which leads to frequent misidentification. Its head is slightly broader than the neck, with large eyes that have round pupils, distinguishing it from venomous species with slit-like pupils.

Behavior: This non-venomous snake is nocturnal and secretive, often hiding under rocks, logs, and leaf litter during the day. It feeds on small lizards, geckos, and occasionally other snakes. Although harmless to humans, the Anamalai Wolf Snake may become defensive if handled, flattening its body and attempting to bite. Its resemblance to venomous kraits makes it a misunderstood snake, but it poses no real threat and plays an important role in controlling small reptile populations.

Identification: The Indian Wolf Snake is a small, slender snake, generally reaching lengths of about 1 to 2.5 feet. It has a smooth, glossy body that is usually dark brown to black, with thin, white or yellowish bands across its back. These bands can sometimes be incomplete, creating a broken or irregular pattern. Its head is slightly broader than the neck, with round pupils, setting it apart from many venomous species.

Behavior: This non-venomous snake is primarily nocturnal, often hiding under rocks, logs, or in crevices during the day. It feeds mainly on lizards and small reptiles, using its agility and quick reflexes to catch prey. The Indian Wolf Snake is shy by nature but can be defensive if disturbed, flattening its body and attempting to bite. Though harmless to humans, its appearance often leads to confusion with Common Krait, making it a frequently misidentified and misunderstood snake in its native range.

ಭಾರತೀಯ ತೋಳ ಹಾವು
വെള്ളിവരയൻ പാമ്പ്

Identification: The Trinket Snake is a slender, medium-sized snake, usually growing to about 3 to 4 feet in length. It has a distinctive and attractive pattern, with alternating dark and light brown bands that sometimes resemble chain links along its body. The head is slightly broader than the neck, with large, round eyes and a sleek, smooth appearance. Its coloration can range from light brown to greyish-brown, giving it a camouflaged look against forest floors and leaf litter.

Behavior: This non-venomous snake is diurnal and primarily terrestrial, though it is an excellent climber and can occasionally be found in trees or bushes. It feeds on small mammals, birds, and lizards, making it beneficial for pest control. Generally shy and non-aggressive, the Trinket Snake may exhibit defensive behaviors such as puffing up its body or mock strikes if threatened but rarely bites.

ಆಭರಣದ ಹಾವು
കാട്ടുപാമ്പ്

Identification: The Banded Kukri is a small to medium-sized snake, typically reaching lengths of 2 to 3 feet. It has a striking pattern of alternating dark brown or black and pale yellow or whitish bands across its body, giving it a banded appearance. The snake’s head is relatively narrow, blending smoothly into the body, and its scales are smooth, giving it a glossy look. Named after the kukri knife, it has uniquely curved, sharp teeth, although they are harmless to humans.

Behavior: Primarily nocturnal, the Banded Kukri is a ground-dweller that prefers forests, grasslands, and areas near human settlements. It feeds on reptile eggs, particularly those of other snakes, making it a specialist predator. Though non-venomous and harmless, the Banded Kukri may try to nip when handled, but its bite is mild and rarely breaks the skin.

വരയൻ ചുരുട്ട

Identification: The Green Vine Snake is a slender, elongated snake, often reaching lengths of 3 to 5 feet. It has a vibrant green coloration with a thin, vine-like body, making it exceptionally well-camouflaged among the foliage. The head is narrow and pointed, with large, expressive eyes that give it a keen, alert look. Its mouth can open wide, showing off a white and black coloration, often displayed as a warning.

Behavior: This arboreal, diurnal snake is commonly found in trees and shrubs, where it hunts small prey like lizards, frogs, and occasionally birds. It poses no real threat to humans, though it may open its mouth and sway to mimic a vine if disturbed. The Green Vine Snake is shy and prefers to retreat rather than confront, relying on its camouflage as a primary defence.

ಅಹೇತುಲ್ಲಾ ನಸುತ
അഹേതുല്ല

Identification: The Brahminy Blind Snake is a tiny, worm-like snake, usually only about 2 to 6 inches in length. It has a shiny, smooth, cylindrical body that is uniform in color, typically dark brown to black, though lighter variants exist. Its head and tail are nearly indistinguishable, and it has vestigial eyes that appear as small dark spots, suited for its mostly subterranean lifestyle.

Behavior: This snake is fossorial, spending most of its life underground in loose soil, leaf litter, and compost piles, where it feeds on ants, termites, and other small invertebrates. Completely harmless to humans, the Brahminy Blind Snake is non-venomous and rarely seen due to its hidden lifestyle. Often called the “flowerpot snake,” it is known for its ability to reproduce through parthenogenesis, making it one of the few snakes that can populate an area with a single individual. It plays a role in soil aeration and pest control, although it is usually overlooked due to its tiny size and secretive nature.

ಹುಳ ಹಾವು
ബ്രാഹ്മണിക്കുരുടി