Colubridae
Mexican Snake Eater
HarmlessClelia scytalina
3 photographs of the Mexican Snake Eater. (c) Oliver W Patrick, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC).
The Mexican Snake Eater (Clelia scytalina) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 6 countries.
- Family
- Colubridae
About the Mexican Snake Eater
Clelia scytalina, commonly known as the Mexican snake eater or zopilota de altura (highland mussarana), is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to the New World.
Geographic range
Clelia scytalina is found in Southern Mexico, Central America, and Colombia.
Description
The head of C. scytalina is somewhat distinct from the neck. The eye is moderate in size, with a vertically elliptical pupil. The body is cylindrical, and the tail is moderately long.
The smooth dorsal scales are arranged in 17 rows at midbody.
The coloration of juveniles is completely different from that of adults. Juveniles have a black head, a yellow or white nuchal crossband (collar), and a red body. Juveniles are often mistaken for coral snakes and killed. Adults are uniform bluish black dorsally, and cream-colored ventrally.
Habitat
Clelia scytalina is a terrestrial animal which inhabits old-growth and second-growth forests and their borders. Occasionally it is found in open areas in submontane and montane life zones.
Diet
Like other species of mussurana, C. scytalina is known to feed on other snakes.
Reproduction
Clelia scytalina is oviparous (egg-laying).
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Mexican Snake Eater
- Is the Mexican Snake Eater venomous?
- No. The Mexican Snake Eater (Clelia scytalina) is non-venomous and is not considered dangerous to humans. Like most snakes, it will retreat rather than bite when given the chance.
- Is the Mexican Snake Eater poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Mexican Snake Eater is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Mexican Snake Eater dangerous?
- The Mexican Snake Eater is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Mexican Snake Eater live?
- The Mexican Snake Eater has verified records in 6 countries, including Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica. See the distribution section below for its full range.
- What does the Mexican Snake Eater eat?
- Like other species of mussurana, C. scytalina is known to feed on other snakes.
Where it is found
More Colubridae snakes
Classification
How scientists group this snake, from the broadest category down to the exact species. Each step narrows to its closest relatives.
- OrderThe broad group of scaled reptiles: all snakes and lizards
- Squamata
- FamilyA group of related snakes that share key traits
- Colubridae
- GenusA close-knit group of very similar species
- Clelia
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Clelia scytalina
Keep learning
- What to Do If You Find a SnakeFound a snake at home or on a trail? Here is how to stay calm, give it space, identify it safely, and know when to call a professional.
- Venomous vs Nonvenomous: How to Tell the DifferenceThe folk rules for telling venomous snakes apart, where each one fails, and why location-based identification beats guessing by sight.
- What Is a Snake? Anatomy and the BasicsA clear overview of what makes a snake a snake: limbless body plan, anatomy, evolution from lizards, species diversity, and why they are ectothermic.
- How to Keep Snakes Out of Your Yard and HomeA practical guide to keeping snakes out of your yard and home using habitat changes that work, plus what to skip and what to do if one shows up.
Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.