The Plumbeous Water Snake (AKA: Rice Paddy Snake) is a venomous snake, though it is not dangerous to humans.
(Page Updated: 6 September 2016)
Enhydris plumbea (Plumbeous Water Snake, and Rice Paddy Snake
Thais say: (ngoo bping)
Length: average length for these snakes is about 50cm (19 inches)
Range: The plumbeous water snake is found all over Thailand as well as nearly all of southeast Asia.
Habitat: Near or in water. Lakes, streams, rivers, puddles, marshes, any where water is.
Active Time? Diurnal – active in daylight mostly.
Food: Food is generally fish and frogs, though other opportunistic eating may take place.
Defensive Behavior: Typical s-shaped striking position. Not very mobile on land.
Venom Toxicity: Venomous. Not toxic enough venom to affect humans severely. No known cases of death due to bite from this species in the herpetological literature.
Notes: As you might have guessed, these snakes are most commonly found in the vast rice fields of Thailand. These are common snakes, we have found two of them recently – one in a small pond with many frogs. One at a resort with a stream and some shallow pools of water.
Enhydris plumbea Classification
“Rice Paddy Snake”
Plumbeous Water Snake Scientific classification
Species: E. plumbea
Binomial name: Enhydris plumbea
(classified by F. Boie, in year 1827)
If you’re looking for Thailand Sea Snake Info Click Here.