Common Kukri Snake

The Common Kukri Snake gets its unusual name from its distinctive rear teeth shaped like a Nepalese kukri knife. These specialized teeth are used to slit open reptile eggs, which form a major part of its diet.

This small, non-venomous snake (rarely exceeding 50 cm) has a brown body with dark crossbands and is often found under stones, logs, and leaf litter. It feeds on eggs of reptiles, small geckos, invertebrates, and occasionally small frogs.

When threatened, the Kukri Snake exhibits an interesting defensive behavior — it may coil tightly, hide its head, and wave its tail as a distraction. If handled, it can inflict painful (but harmless) bites with its specialized teeth that may cause minor bleeding due to the cutting action.