APS really needs to implement some rules with these "What snake is that" threads, perhaps using a dedicated forum with a proforma like the for sale section.
People need to state the reason for their identification attempts, this is to avoid the apperance of "arm-chair" experts or just griefers.
The poster should endeavour to include clear, close up photos of head, tail and mid section ( I understand that this is not always possible with live animals ). If not supplied the respondents should use a image software package to show ID points. The poster should also indicate location and the habitat type (eg swamp, desert or frozen lake )
In the spirit of the above I submit the following:
Tentative ID : Keelback ( Tropidonophis mairii )
ID Point : Colour pattern within expected parameters of species, however this species is highly variable and other species can match this pattern
ID Point : location of poster is within the species range.
ID Point : loreal scale appears to be present ( see kb1_loreal.jpg ). This indicates it is a colubrid snake
ID Point : divided subcaudal scales ( see kb1_SubCaudal.jpg ) This indicates it is NOT the similar rough-scaled snake
ID Point : Mid body scale count - Keelbacks have a scale count of around 15. kb1_ScaleCount.jpg shows half the mid body and there are 7 scales visible. Again an indicator of a colubrid and is definitely not a python or elapid.
