Laticauda colubrina (Schneider 1799)

(Fig. 9A, 12D)

Material studied: An adult, CSPT/S-36, an adult from the Andaman Islands (Fig. 5C).

Morphology: Dorsal scales smooth, in 22:21:19 rows, ventrals 241; subcaudals 43 pairs; anal divided, preocular 1; postoculars 2; prefrontals 3. Body with alternate black and bluish grey bands; tail paddle shaped, upper lip with a yellow streak.

Distribution: Several individuals were encountered on the sea-coast in Wandoor and Chidiyatapu (South Andamnan), Grub Island, Middle Andaman, John Lawrance, Paget and North Reef Islands. They were observed on fallen dead trees and amidst rocks on the sea-shore. They normally congregate on the sea-shore at night in huge numbers.

Remarks: Studies on behavior and population of sea-kraits were undertaken in the Wandoor, South Andaman Island in the past which show that L. colubrina is more abundant than L. laticaudata in this region (Shetty and Prasad, 1996; Shetty and Sivasundar, 1998; Tyabji et al. 2018).

Status: Common.