Ptyas mucosa (Linnaeus, 1758)

(Fig. 7D, 12B)

Material studied: Two adults, CIARI uncatalogued; 2 specimens from Sippighat, South Andaman (Fig. 4A) .

Morphology: Dorsal scales feebly keeled, in 17:15–17:13 rows; ventrals 199–202; subcaudals 109–117, divided; anal divided; supralabials 8/9 (4–5 entering orbit); infralabials 10 (1–6 contacting genials); preocular 1; postoculars 2; loreals 1–3; temporals 2+2. Buff to blackish brown above and pale yellow below. Black streaks on lips feeble.

Distribution: Several individuals were seen in a variety of habitats ranging from evergreen forests, littoral forests to predominantly human habitation including home gardens and roadside vegetation in South Andaman, Middle Andaman Havelock and Long Island. However, it occurs throughout the Andaman Archipelago. Diurnal and often seen crossing roads and on a few occasions as roadkills. Non-endemic and occurs across South Asia.

Remarks: Black labial stripes on the lips less prominent than those found on the mainland.

Status: Common.