Kingdom Animalia Subphylum Vertebrata Order Squamata | Phylum Chordata Class Reptilia Suborder Serpentes | |
Boiga siamensis naranjita is a subspecies of the gray cat snake (Boiga siamensis), also known as eyed cat snake or Siamese cat snake is a species of catsnake found only in the provinces of Nan and Phayao in the North of Thailand.
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Description
The Boiga siamensis naranjita cat snake is a sub species of the Siamese cat snake. It resembles the dog-toothed snake as does the Siamese cat snake but it occupies a different geographical range. It is a large snake, reaching almost 2 m (6 1⁄2 ft) in total length. Colours are orange-brown with black crossbars that are most distinct interiorly. The head is dark grey with a dark streak from behind the eye to the first body crossbar that is broken just beyond the last supralabial. The chin and throat are white, the ventrals white to dark orange.
Behavior and venom
Mostly nocturnal, it is a potentially aggressive snake. It is a rear fanged venomous snake but there are not known casualties.
Geographic range
It has been only detected a small population in Thailand in Nan and Phayao provinces. Studies have been made since in 2014 herpetologist Frank Cuesta found four of these snakes at Mae Puem National Park in the north of Thailand. Data is still being collected to whether assure it is a unique species or a color deformation of the boiga siamensis. At the moment is subscribed as a sub species of the siamensis.
Habitat
These snakes are found in forests, hills and plains and can be found up to 1,700m. They are usually arboreal but can be found near water too.
Diet
This snake feeds on birds and eggs.
Reproduction
Boiga siamensis naranjita is an oviparous species, with sexually mature females laying eggs, 6-12 per clutch