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Reptiles · Sumatera · Java

Keeled Slug Snake

Keeled Slug Snake (Pareas carinatus). The keeled slug snake is a pareid associated with feeding on slugs and snails; a group name does not prove every individual meal.

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Photograph of Keeled Slug Snake (Pareas carinatus).
(c) Ian Dugdale, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC BY 4.0 · Image cropped for layout.

Quick answer

IUCN status: Least Concern

Keeled Slug Snake at a glance

The Keeled Slug Snake (Pareas carinatus) is a reptile in the family Pareidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from West Java, Bali, Central Java. Diet: slug- and snail-eater (molluscivore); a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.

Quick facts: Keeled Slug Snake
Scientific namePareas carinatus
Indonesian nameUlar siput
GroupReptiles
FamilyPareidae
Observation recordsWest Java, Bali, Central Java
Taxonomic groupSquamata
GBIF records425 human-observation records, 2016–2026
Data retrieved2026-09-23
IUCN statusLeast Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026
Diet typeCarnivore (meat-eater) — slug- and snail-eater (molluscivore) · Reptile Database
ReproductionLaying eggs (oviparous) · Reptile Database
Venom or poisonNot venomous · Hoso 2017, Asymmetry of mandibular dentition is associated with dietary specialization in snail-eating snakes (PeerJ)
ActiveNocturnal (active at night) · ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time'
In this guide (12)
About this guideThis guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.

What is the Keeled Slug Snake?

Keeled Slug Snake refers to Pareas carinatus, in the genus Pareas, family Pareidae, and class Squamata. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.

Evidence: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗

What is known about the Keeled Slug Snake?

The keeled slug snake is a pareid associated with feeding on slugs and snails; a group name does not prove every individual meal.

Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.

Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗

How many Indonesian records name the Keeled Slug Snake?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 425 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.

Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗

Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include West Java, Bali, Central Java. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.

Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗

How can you observe the Keeled Slug Snake?

A safe-distance photograph can record body, head and tail pattern and locality without handling the animal. Colour alone cannot establish whether a snake is venomous; seek local professional help if there is risk. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.

Explore related animals

To explore this group further, compare Keeled Slug Snake with Marbled Bow-fingered Gecko, Pacific Bluetail Skink, Yellow-lipped Sea Krait. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.

Scientific classification of the Keeled Slug Snake

Scientific classification from kingdom to species
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassReptilia
OrderSquamata
FamilyPareidae
GenusPareas
SpeciesPareas carinatus

Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).

Common questions about the Keeled Slug Snake

What is the scientific name of the Keeled Slug Snake?

The scientific name of the Keeled Slug Snake is Pareas carinatus, in the family Pareidae. In Indonesian it is called Ular siput.

What kind of animal is the Keeled Slug Snake?

The Keeled Slug Snake is a reptile in the family Pareidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a slug- and snail-eater (molluscivore).

Where does the Keeled Slug Snake live in Indonesia?

Observation records of the Keeled Slug Snake summarised in this guide mainly come from West Java, Bali, Central Java. That list is not a complete range map.

What does the Keeled Slug Snake eat?

The Keeled Slug Snake is a slug- and snail-eater (molluscivore). That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: Reptile Database.

How does the Keeled Slug Snake reproduce?

The Keeled Slug Snake reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: Reptile Database.

Is the Keeled Slug Snake venomous?

No. The Keeled Slug Snake is not venomous. This slug snake is not venomous; it feeds mainly on snails and slugs. Source: Hoso 2017, Asymmetry of mandibular dentition is associated with dietary specialization in snail-eating snakes (PeerJ).

Do not catch, handle or disturb wild animals. If bitten, stung or exposed to its toxins, go to the nearest health facility straight away.

Is the Keeled Slug Snake nocturnal?

The cited source records the Keeled Slug Snake as nocturnal (active at night). Source: ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time'.

See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.

What is the scientific classification of the Keeled Slug Snake?

Scientific classification of the Keeled Slug Snake: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Reptilia, order Squamata, family Pareidae, genus Pareas, species Pareas carinatus.

Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

Is the Keeled Slug Snake endangered?

No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Keeled Slug Snake is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Keeled Slug Snake is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation office).

Sources & references

  1. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
  2. GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
  3. iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
  4. Species account — background reading ↗
  5. Reptile Database ↗
  6. ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time' ↗
  7. Hoso 2017, Asymmetry of mandibular dentition is associated with dietary specialization in snail-eating snakes (PeerJ) ↗
  8. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
  9. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗

References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →

Cite this page

Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.

PanduanHewan. Keeled Slug Snake (Pareas carinatus). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/pareas-carinatus/