Common Keelback

Common Keelback
Chequered Keelback
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Colubridae
Genus: Xenochrophis
Species: X. flavipunctata
Binomial name
Xenochrophis flavipunctata

The common keelback (Xenochrophis flavipunctata) is a snake of the family Colubridae. It is found mainly in marshy and waterlogged places (drains,sewage system, ponds etc.).

It is a mildly venomous (rear-fanged) snake and feeds mainly on frogs, toads and small fishes.

It is very common in northeast India, in the state of Assam.

In Bengali, it is called "Jol dhora". It has a blackish dorsal portion, and its belly is white.