v14i2.383

eISSN: 1800-427X (online)
DOI:10.47605/tapro.v14i2.383

Submitted date: 11 February 2025
Accepted date: 21 July 2025
Published date: 28 November 2025
Pp. 299–302.

Anatomy of the nuchal glands in red-necked keelback (Rhabdophis subminiatus)

Y.N. Narindria, D.D. Cahyadi, A.Y. Prawira, S. Anita, A. Mori & S. Novelina
*Corresponding author. E-mail: savitri.novelina@apps.ipb.ac.id

The Red-necked keelback, Rhabdophis subminiatus (Schlegel, 1837), occurs in Indonesia on Java, Sumatra, Nias, and possibly Sulawesi. This species exhibits a suite of defensive displays, including body flattening, neck flattening, neck arching, neck butting, and dorsal-facing postures. Body flattening enlarges the body profile to intimidate predators, while neck flattening accentuates the bright red coloration of the neck, a visual warning linked to the location of the nuchal glands.

Section Editor: Patrick David