Classification
KINGDOM: Animalia
PHYLUM: Chordata
SUBPHYLUM: Vertebrata
CLASS: Reptilia
ORDER: Squamata
FAMILY: Calamariidae
GENUS: Calamaria
SPECIES: Calamaria schlegeli
Description
The Red-headed Reed Snake is found in parts of Southeast Asia. Its range includes countries like Thailand, Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. It is a small, lustrous, non-venomous snake.
The snake is named because of its red coloration on its head. The body color is generally blue-black or brown.
Adult Red-headed Reed Snakes are usually small, with total lengths ranging from 20 to 30 centimeters (8 to 12 inches).
The species is known commonly as the red-headed reed snake, white-headed reed snake, and pink-headed reed snake.
As with other Reed Snakes this species is a burrowing forest dweller, which feeds on small invertebrates such as worms, sometimes emerging at night to take insects.
These snakes are primarily associated with wetland habitats, including marshes, swamps, and areas with dense vegetation. They are often found in or near water.
Red-headed Reed Snakes are primarily terrestrial but may be adept climbers.
This nonvenomous red-headed snake is sometimes confused with the blue Malayan coral snake (Calliophis bivirgatus) and the red-headed krait (Bungarus flaviceps), which are venomous.
The diet of Calamaria schlegeli typically consists of small invertebrates such as insects and other arthropods. Being a non-venomous species, they rely on their agility and swallowing ability to capture and consume prey.
Red-headed Reed Snakes are primarily terrestrial but may be adept climbers. They are known to move through vegetation and use their slender bodies to navigate densely vegetated areas.