NATURAL HISTORY
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Snakes, lizards and frogs are well represented in Hong Kong. There are also various species of terrapins and turtles. The large marine Green Turtle, although seldom seen, does come in small numbers each year to breed on remote beaches. Most of the snakes are non-poisonous and death from snake bite is extremely rare. Apart from the rear-fanged species, not dangerous to man, the venomous land snakes are the Banded Krait, Many-banded Krait, Macclelland's Coral Snake, Chinese Cobra, Hamadryad or King Cobra, Mountain Pit Viper and White-lipped Pit Viper or Bamboo Snake, the latter being bright green and, although less venomous than the others, more likely to attack if accidentally disturbed. Several species of sea snake, all venomous, are found in the waters around Hong Kong but fortunately do not attack bathers. A reptile of special interest found in the New Territories is Typhlops, a blind, burrowing 'snake' about six inches long and reddish brown in colour. This 'snake' may in fact be an aberrant lizard.
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The most attractive insects are the butterflies, of which there are nearly 200 species. Often they may be seen congregating in hundreds around one tree or bush. Of the many moths, two are outstanding for their large size. These are the Atlas and Moon Moths, with wing-spans of nine and six inches respectively. The males of both species are smaller. Apart from butterflies and moths, there is a great abundance of insects, many of which are brilliantly coloured. On sandy paths, small conical depressions can be found. These are the pits of Ant Lions, and careful excavation will unearth the larva from the base of the pit, where it lies in wait for ants. The adults of several species of cicada emerge during spring and summer, children often collecting the larger ones (which are em- ployed in Chinese medicines) by using a long bamboo pole with sticky adhesive on the end. Only the male cicadas make the loud trilling noise.
Land molluscs of note are the Giant African Snail, measuring about five inches long, which was introduced and is now a con- siderable pest, and the large black slug Veronicella, which is sufficiently distinct from all other slugs to be placed in a separate family of its own. Another unusual mollusc to be found in Hong Kong is Oncidiella, a slug-like air-breathing form which has adapted itself to a life on rocky shores.