1. Zamenis is commonly called Dhaman or rat snake of India. It attacks fiercely like a whip and hence called a rope snake.
2. It grows to a length of more than 2 meters. It is brown above often with black cross bands on the posterior part of the body and tail and underparts are yellowish.
3. The scales on the body from 16-17 rows and are slightly keeled.
4. Presence of a prominent dorsal ridge of the backbone along the mid dorsal line.
5. Head is distinct from the neck and bears large eyes with round pupils, nostrils and mouth.
6. Fourth and fifth supra labials are touching the eye.
7. Tail is long and prehensile and used to coil around the victim.
8. Teeth are present but fangs are absent.
9. It emits foul odor and secretes black secretes black secretion from anal glands.
10. Zamenis is very widely distributed. It is found in France, Italy, north-west Africa, America and India.
Source:
1. Practical Zoology Vertebrates by S.S.Lal. 2. A Manual of Practical Zoology Chordates by Dr. P.S. Verma.
