Oligodon

Oligodon is genus of colubrid snakes that was first described by Austrian zoologist Leopold Fitzinger in 1826. This genus is widespread throughout central and tropical Asia. The snakes of this genus are commonly known as kukri snakes.

Description
The species in the genus Oligodon are egg eaters and are usually under 90 cm (35 in) in total length (including tail). Different species display widely variable patterns and colorations. They subsist mostly by scavenging the eggs of birds and reptiles. Besides eggs, species of this genus also feeds on lizards, frogs, and small rodents.

Oligodon is a rear-fanged snake genus. All member species have a set of enlarged teeth placed in the back of the upper jaws, as well as functional Duvernoy's glands. They are not dangerous to humans, though. Bites by some species have been reported to bleed excessively, suggesting presence of anticoagulants in the Duvernoy's gland secretions. Species of Oligodon are mostly nocturnal, and live on the floor of mature forests.

The common name of the genus comes from the kukri, a distinctively shaped Nepalese knife, which is similar in shape to the broad, flattened, curved hind teeth of Oligodon species. These teeth are specially adapted for their main diet of eggs; the teeth cut open eggs as they are being swallowed by the snake, allowing for easier digestion.

Species
There are 84 recognized species in the genus Oligodon according to Reptile Database as of April 2023.

The source column gives direct links to the sources used:
 * IUCN description of species at International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN Red List categories are:
 * - Extinct, - Extinct in the Wild
 * - Critically Endangered, - Endangered,  - Vulnerable
 * - Near Threatened, - Least Concern
 * - Data Deficient, - Not Evaluated


 * RDB description of species at Reptile Database.

Nota bene: A binomial authority in parentheses indicates that the species was originally described in a genus other than Oligodon.