Asian keelback; Amphiesma vibakari
A small, non-venomous snake native to East Asia. The Japanese name is usually written in kana.
The hibakari is a small snake that inhabits Japan.
We often see Asian keelbacks around here.
Katakana spelling is common for this snake name; usually written in kana.
Ateji kanji spelling; rarely used.
Obscure kanji spelling; not in common use.
Obscure kanji spelling; not in common use.
The origin of the name ひばかり is uncertain. The kanji spellings 日計, 熇尾蛇, and 竹根蛇 are ateji and not etymologically transparent.