Drepanoides

Drepanoides is a monotypic genus, meaning it contains just one recognized species, the Black-collared Snake (Drepanoides anomalus). It belongs to the large family Colubridae, and sits within the New World dipsadine radiation, a group of mostly small, slender, ground-dwelling snakes centered in Central and South America. The Black-collared Snake ranges across the Amazon Basin and surrounding lowlands, including parts of Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and the Guianas, where it lives in humid tropical forest and forest-edge habitats, often near leaf litter and the forest floor.

Members of this genus are recognized by a slim, smooth-scaled body, a moderately distinct head, and the dark band or collar across the neck that gives the snake its common name. The body color is typically reddish to brown, and the snake stays relatively small. As a secretive, often nocturnal forest snake, it is encountered far less often than many of its colubrid relatives, and most of what is known comes from scattered specimens and field observations rather than extensive study.

The Black-collared Snake is rear-fanged, with mild venom adapted to subduing small prey, and it is not considered dangerous to people. Its diet is notable: it feeds heavily on reptile eggs, a specialized habit shared by relatively few snakes. Like most colubrids in this group it lays eggs rather than bearing live young. There is no reason to handle any wild snake, and because precise identification in the field can be uncertain, treat any unfamiliar snake with caution and leave it undisturbed. If a bite from any snake causes concerning symptoms, contact emergency services or US Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.