Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We found this snake outside the house we were staying in South Nicaragua, on the Pacific Coast (about 40 miles from the Costa Rica border)

Snake was thin, only about as thick as an average man's index finger or thumb. Length about 2 feet (60 cm).

Any ideas? I'm no snake expert.

It is certainly a species of Cat-eyed Snake (Leptodeira sp.). I am not good with Cat-eyeds, but it appears to be L. nigrofasciata, the Black-banded Cat-eyed Snake.

Cat-eyed snakes are common, harmless widespread snakes of the N. and Central American tropics. They are frog and lizard eaters.
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

Chris: You are probably correct on the i.d., despite the fact that pic makes it look as if it has round pupils.

One thing I'd like to mention, however, is that Cat-Eyeds are rear-fanged venomous. Not dangerous to man, but worth pointing that out, I think.

~~Greg~~

Chris: You are probably correct on the i.d., despite the fact that pic makes it look as if it has round pupils.

Leptodeira pupils (like those of a cat) are round when they are dilated. This photo was probably taken at night since they are also largely nocturnal.

One thing I'd like to mention, however, is that Cat-Eyeds are rear-fanged venomous. Not dangerous to man, but worth pointing that out, I think.

Good point, they are rear-fanged. I don't think I have ever had Leptodeira try to bite, however.
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas