YANGON (Xinhua): A rare species of snake previously undocumented in Myanmar has been recorded in the country, shedding light on the country's growing reptile diversity.
The findings, published on June 10 by Herpetology Notes, an online-only, open-access scientific journal, stated that the newly reported Lycodon laoensis, also known as the Laotian wolf snake, was previously known only from countries such as Laos.
With observations from the states and regions of Kayin, Shan, and Tanintharyi, the species has now been documented in Myanmar for the first time, the report said.
For the record, the Laotian wolf snake, scientifically known as Lycodon laoensis, is a small, slender, and nocturnal snake found in South-East Asia.
It's characterized by pale yellow bands on a black background, though color variations exist. This snake is generally not aggressive and is known to be defensive, often releasing a foul-smelling odor when threatened.
It is also well known to be a beauty as it has a slender body with a flattened head and a distinctive color pattern of pale yellow bands on a black background. The bands tend to thin out towards the tail. Laotian Wolf snakes primarily feed on lizards and frogs.
