Oligodon arnensis (Shaw, 1802) Common Kukri Snake	Diagnostic characters:
	A small snake with a short, smooth and even-sized cylindrical body; tail short and pointed; eyes are moderate with large rounded pupil; rostral broad and enlarged, visible from the top of the head. Light or dark-brown above with well defined cross-bars which are often edged with white markings; whitish below; head and neck with two black inverted typical ”V” shaped markings; a black band on the inter ocular region. SVL: 800mm.
	Habit and Habitat:
	Terrestrial, nocturnal and crepuscular. Found in termite mounds, caves, crevices, tree holes and old houses.
	Diet:
	Young feed on insects and their larvae, spiders and gecko eggs; adult takes reptile eggs, geckos, skinks and small mice.
	Legal Protection:
	WL (P) A, 1972-Schedule IV.
	Conservation status and Threats:
	Not accessed. Uncommon.  No serious threat observed.
	Distribution: Madhya Pradesh: Throughout. Elsewhere in India: Peninsular India up to Himachal Pradesh. Elsewhere outside: Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka