Atlas species information
Introduction
Detailed species information from your search of the Atlas. Note that this information is longer maintained. Information may be out of date and images may not display.- Scientific name:
- Laticauda colubrina
- Common name:
- yellow-lipped sea krait
- Naming authority:
- Schneider, 1799
- Bio status category:
- Indigenous (Non-endemic)
- IUCN threat status:
- Lower Risk: least concern
- NZ threat classification:
- Vagrant
Refer to www.doc.govt.nz/nztcs for NZ threat classification system details.
.jpg)
yellow-lipped sea krait
Habitat
- In its usual range this species is partly terrestrial, often occurring among rocks near the shore, or in mangrove swamps some distance inland.
- Largely nocturnal.
Description
- Bluish-grey above, yellowish below, with about 35 prominent black bands.
- Head small and blunt.
- Row of broad scales along belly, more than half the width of the body.
- Tail compressed sideways to form a paddle.
Distribution
- India, South-east Asia, New Guinea, Australia and Pacific Islands.
- Rare visitor to New Zealand.
Notes
- First recorded in New Zealand in 1880.
Statistical information and distribution map
| Before 1988 | Since 1988 | |
|---|---|---|
| Live Specimen | 4 | 3 |
| Dead Specimen | 1 | 2 |
| Total | 5 | 5 |
Live or dead specimen or shed skin
Bone or fossil
