Keelback Snakes

Keelbacks are semi-aquatic snakes that thrive along forest streams, flooded agricultural areas and near bodies of fresh water. They are rear-fanged and appear to be mostly nocturnal, though a few species can be active during the day or night. Keelback snakes have a wide distribution across Southeast Asia, with Malaysian species also occuring in either Thailand, Singapore, Borneo and Indonesia. They are called keelbacks due to the higly-keeled scale patterning on their dorsum and flanks.

All keelback snakes can give a painful bite while producing a very strong musk when feeling threatened, with the stench resembling a foul and putrid odour.. A few Southeast Asian keelbacks species, such as the red-necked keelback (Rhabdophis subminiatus) were documented to have caused significant envenomations. In the wild, these snakes can be found hidden in pools of water, river bank holes and among leaf litter along streams.