Kapuas mud snake

The Kapuas mud snake (Homalophis gyii) is a species of snake in the family Homalopsidae. The species, which is native to Borneo, can change its epidermal colour spontaneously.^[3]

Kapuas mud snake
Conservation status
Data Deficient  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Homalopsidae
Genus:	Homalophis
Species:	H. gyii
Binomial name
Homalophis gyii J.C. Murphy, Voris & Auliya, 2005
Synonyms[2]
Enhydris gyii J.C. Murphy, Voris & Auliya, 2005 Hypsirhina doriae — A.E. Brown, 1902 Enhydris doriae — Barbour, 1912 Enhydris gyii — J.C. Murphy, 2007 Homalophis gyii — J.C. Murphy & Voris, 2014

Etymology

The common name, Kapuas mud snake, refers to the Kapuas River. The specific name, gyii, is in honor of Burmese herpetologist Dr Ko Ko Gyi.^[4]

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of H. gyii is freshwater wetlands.^[1]

Colour change

The Kapuas mud snake's chameleon-like behaviour was discovered accidentally in 2005 when a specimen was put in a dark bucket. The snake's skin turned pale white 20 minutes later.^[5] Scientists determined the snake to be a new species belonging to the genus Enhydris.

Description

H. gyii may attain a total length (including tail) of 150 cm (59 in).^{[citation needed]}

Venom

Like all members of the subfamily Homalopsinae, H. gyii is rear-fanged and mildly venomous.

Reproduction

H. gyii is viviparous.^[2]