Akamata – The Ryukyu odd-tooth snake

The Ryukyu odd-tooth snake  (Lycodon semicarinatus) is a non-venomous snake found throughout the Ryukyu Islands. They are fairly common here on Okinawa and are usually found at night. The Akamata is a natural enemy of the venomous Habu snake. They are one of the few snakes capable of feeding on venomous pit vipers.  More effort should be focused on conserving this native snake for this specific reason. This beautiful snake has been overlooked and needs to be protected. Sadly I see more dead on the road than alive.

    • Scientific name:   Lycodon semicarinatus
    • Local name:  Akamata – Ryukyu odd-tooth snake

 

    • Distribution:  Ryukyu Islands

 

    • Habitat:  Forests, drainage ditches, and housing areas

 

    • Diet:  Snakes, lizards, frogs, snakes, birds, baby sea turtles, and rodents.

 

    • Average size:  100cm -180cm

 

  • Color:  Black, orange with a yellow belly.

They are often found crossing the road at night.

Akamata - Ryukyu odd-tooth snake

Akamata – Ryukyu odd-tooth snake © Shawn Miller

When threatened they pull back, stand high and prepare to strike!  They will bite when threatened.

Akamata - Ryukyu odd-tooth snake

Akamata – Ryukyu odd-tooth snake © Shawn Miller

This beautiful juvenile was photographed on a white for the Meet Your Neighbours Project. (Connecting People Worldwide with the Wildlife in their Community)

Snakes of okinawa

Ryukyu odd-tooth snake -MYN © Shawn Miller

An albino specimen photographed in captivity at the local zoo.

Albino Akamata snake

Albino Akamata snake

The slow and low perspective found crossing the road at night.

Crossing the road - Ryukyu odd-tooth snake

Crossing the road – Ryukyu odd-tooth snake © Shawn Miller

The small snakes often feed on small lizards.  This beauty ate a common gecko tail first.

Akamata feeding on a gecko - tail first

Akamata feeding on a gecko – tail first © Shawn Miller

A large Akamata feeding on an Okinawa tree frog.

Ryukyu odd-tooth snake feeding

Ryukyu odd-tooth snake feeding © Shawn Miller

A juvenile Akamata feeding on an Okinawa tree lizard.

Ryukyu odd-tooth feeding

Ryukyu odd-tooth feeding © Shawn Miller

The Akamata is one of the few snakes that feed on sea turtle hatchlings in northern Okinawa.

Akamata - feeding on sea turtles

Akamata – feeding on sea turtles © Shawn Miller

This was my first time seeing a juvenile akamata pull back and puff out its head to resemble the diamond shape of a venomous pit viper.

Is the coincidence or mimicry? I know this is a common occurrence with other non-venomous snakes around the world. I believe this juvenile snake saw me as a threat.

Ryukyu odd-tooth snake puffing its head

Ryukyu odd-tooth snake puffing its head © Shawn Miller

Ryukyu odd-tooth snake puffing its head © Shawn Miller

Mimicry moment © Shawn Miller

People often ask me what is the purpose of conservation photography? Having the ability to affect some form of positive change in the environment and make a global difference with the photographs. Hopefully, the images will inspire people to care more about nature and make a positive difference in the environment.

My Mission: To Document and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands

This site is also designed to help people identify the beautiful animals of Okinawa, basically  to serve as an online nature reference guide. If you would like to make a contribution to support my mission, please click on the donation link  paypal.me/maketheswitch4nature

Your donations will help worldwide conservation initiatives as well as bring solutions to the worldwide pollution issues on our beautiful shorelines.  Thank you for your support.  Shawn M Miller.

 

 

The hunt for the habu – Izena Island

Izena Island is known for not having any venomous snakes on the Island. I always thought this was impossible since the surrounding islands all have venomous snakes. After five trips we finally found a Habu.

The Princess habu was found resting on a rock above a fresh water source.

The princess habu -

The Princess habu – Photo by David Orr

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Hime habu – Izena Island

Hime habu  - Izena Island

Hime habu – Izena Island

Hime habu  - Izena Island

Hime habu – Izena Island

The Hime habu was found October 9th 2016 on Izena Island.  It was located at the Izena castle site.

Izena castle

Izena castle -Iphone 6s

A sign at the port welcomes visitors to to the beautiful Island.  It states – no habu on the Island.

Izena Island welcome sign- No Habu

Izena Island welcome sign- No Habu

Be safe exploring the beautiful Islands of Okinawa.

Learn more about the venomous snakes of Okinawa in my previous blog post. https://okinawanaturephotography.com/venomous-snakes-of-okinawa-japan/