Colubridae · Philippine record
Rhabdophis auriculatus(GÜNTHER 1858)
Rhabdophis auriculatus is a Colubridae snake included in the Philippine checklist. Its atlas account links 5 named island or island-group records to the source literature.
Literature updated 2026-10-07 · Editorial review pending
Explore the island records ↓Species portrait
Rhabdophis auriculatus
Image to followThe illustrated collection
Adult · study plate
Rhabdophis auriculatus
Image to followJuvenile · study plate
Rhabdophis auriculatus
Image to followLife stages will be labelled from the contributor’s information. Images alone do not establish identification or a locality record.
Media provenance
Contributor images are forthcoming. Photographs and illustrations will retain their individual credits, permissions and evidence notes.
A closer look
The database explicitly lacks species-specific venom information. Medical effects documented in other Rhabdophis must not be presented as demonstrated for this species.
Literature documented · Comment: venom evidence
Species-level database summary; literature review, not expert validation.
The cited account does not establish population-wide variation or the conditions at every Philippine locality.
The species account records egg-laying reproduction. A verified Philippine clutch-size range, incubation interval and breeding calendar are not established here.
Literature documented · Reproduction field
Reproductive mode reported for this named species.
Mode alone does not establish litter or clutch size, seasonal timing, or captive husbandry requirements.
The atlas records Rhabdophis auriculatus from these named Philippine areas: Mindanao, Samar, Leyte, Bohol, Basilan. These are literature areas rather than a continuous range boundary.
Literature documented · Existing checklist occurrence statement and distribution review
The original evidence level is retained.
A country listing cannot establish an island or a precise locality.
Rhabdophis auriculatus is retained in the atlas’s dated checklist under Colubridae. The authority is (GÜNTHER 1858). Earlier names and the original source notes are preserved below for comparison.
Literature documented · Checklist identity and nomenclatural trail
Checklist verified 2026-09-05; not a newly revised taxonomic backbone.
Historical names can cover different biological concepts; synonyms should not be used to transfer records automatically.
Across the archipelago
Documented islands: gold · island groups: dashed circles
Island-level records · not continuous habitat coverage. Dashed circles locate groups, not individual observations.
Philippine distribution
Select an island to read its distribution record and sources. Uncoloured islands are not evidence of absence.
Philippines (Basilan, Bohol, Leyte, Samar, Mindanao) Type locality: “Philippines” myersi: Type locality: taken near Masawan, approximately 14 km. southeast of Buena Suerte, New Pinan, on west side of Dapitan Peak, Misamis Occidental Province, Mindanao Island, at an altitude of 4700 feet (1433 m.
The atlas records Rhabdophis auriculatus from these named Philippine areas: Mindanao, Samar, Leyte, Bohol, Basilan. These are literature areas rather than a continuous range boundary.
The Reptile Database — species checklist, 17 June 2026 ↗Existing checklist occurrence statement and distribution review
Synopsis of the Snakes of the Philippines: A Synthesis of Data from Biodiversity Repositories, Field Studies, and the Literature ↗Existing checklist occurrence statement and distribution review
References attached to this species account. Island-specific evidence is shown separately where available.
The Reptile Database — species checklist, 17 June 2026 ↗
Rhabdophis auriculatus — The Reptile Database species account ↗
Living with wildlife
Venom classification not yet added · Effects not yet summarised in this atlas
Observe from a distance. Do not handle, corner or capture a snake to identify it. An incomplete venom account is not evidence that a species is safe to handle.
After a suspected snakebite, keep the person still and arrange urgent medical care. Avoid tight tourniquets, cutting, suction and unproven remedies. Do not wait to identify the snake before seeking help.
WHO guidance on snakebite first aidSpecies record
Range noteCountry/island text is not a range polygon or locality record.
Philippines (Basilan, Bohol, Leyte, Samar, Mindanao) Type locality: “Philippines” myersi: Type locality: taken near Masawan, approximately 14 km. southeast of Buena Suerte, New Pinan, on west side of Dapitan Peak, Misamis Occidental Province, Mindanao Island, at an altitude of 4700 feet (1433 m.
Names through time
Tropidonotus auriculatus GÜNTHER 1858: 80 Tropidonotus auriculatus — BOULENGER 1893: 261 Natrix auriculata — GRIFFIN 1911: 257 Rhabdophis auriculata — DORIA et al. 2013 Rhabdophis auriculatus — WALLACH et al. 2014: 633 Rhabdophis auriculatus auriculata (GÜNTHER 1858) Tropidonotus auriculatus GÜNTHER 1858: 80 Rhabdophis auriculatus — HARDING & WELCH 1980 Rhabdophis auriculatus HARDING & WELCH 1980 Rhabdophis auriculata auriculata — CUDAL & CALIMBO 2021 Rhabdophis auriculatus myersi LEVITON 1970: 349 Natrix auriculata — TAYLOR 1922: 89 Rhabdophis auriculata myersi LEVITON 1970
Some species of this genus are venomous although we do not have information about this particular species. The CAS holotype catalogue also has R. a. myersi (status unclear).
Uetz, P.; Freed, P.; Aguilar, R.; Reyes, F.; Kudera, J.; Hošek, J. (eds.)
Leviton, A. E.; Siler, C. D.; Weinell, J. L.; Brown, R. M.
Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences 64(14): 399–568
Uetz, P.; Hallermann, J. et al. (editors)
Public species fields consulted for bounded biological summaries. Primary sources quoted within the database were not independently examined unless explicitly stated. The catalogue name may differ from the current source title.