Indian Smooth Snake

The Indian Smooth Snake is a small, secretive, completely non-venomous snake found in hilly and mountainous regions of peninsular India. Named for its exceptionally smooth scales, this snake rarely exceeds 50 cm in length.

This shy, ground-dwelling snake feeds primarily on lizards and small skinks. It subdues its prey by constriction, wrapping its small body around the victim. The smooth scales give it a glossy, polished appearance that distinguishes it from keeled-scaled species.

Indian Smooth Snakes are found in the Western Ghats and associated hill ranges, typically in rocky terrain with good ground cover. They are rarely seen due to their secretive habits and dull coloring that provides excellent camouflage among rocks and dry leaves.