Regional Morphology

This is relevant for Elapids in The Far East.

Morphological identification key

Elapidae

Are the scales over the spine enlarged and hexagonal?		yes *(but not in Bungarus lividus!)*	Bungarus sp.


no

Observe the shape of the head. Is the transition between the top and the sides of the head where the eyes and nose are located:
a) angular? (stout head)	b) rounded? (delicate head)	b	Sinomicrurus sp.


a

Are the paired scales behind the parietal scales P:
a) large?	b) small?	a	Ophiophagus hannah

		b	Naja sp.