Common mock viper, Psammodynastes pulverulentus (F. Boie, 1827) – of south Sarawak / Borneo around 1000m ASL.

Psammodynastes pulverulentus (Boie, 1827) is a small snake species distributed in Southeast Asia and recorded on Borneo (Kalimantan, Sabah and Sarawak). On Borneo it is often encountered in leaf litter or within the forest’s lower vegetation layer, and an altitudinal range of 0–1500 m has been reported for the region. The species is described as diurnal and shows a pronounced defensive disposition: field accounts from Borneo characterize it as relatively aggressive and as possessing notably enlarged front teeth; however, its venom is regarded as only mildly effective and is generally not considered dangerous to humans. Diet records from Borneo mention small lizards and, occasionally, frogs; more broadly, lizards (including skinks) and frogs are reported as prey. Reproduction is described as ovoviviparous, meaning the young are born alive. The genus name Psammodynastes is derived from the Greek psammos (“sand”) and dynastes (“ruler”), while the species epithet pulverulentus is from Latin, meaning “dusty” or “covered in dust,” in reference to the typically muted/dusty coloration.