The Oriental or Indian ratsnake (Ptyas mucosa) is a reptile from Sri Lanka, found from the suburbs of Colombo to national parks. This pair of mating ratsnakes swaying to and fro, locked in a mesmerising dance, is a rare sight to capture in central Sri Lanka. Their colouring, however, cannot be used to distinguish between the two sexes, as ratsnakes have been recorded in a range of colours, from black to golden brown.
Photograph: Courtesy of Chaminda Jayasekara/Jetwing Vil Uyana