Kingdom Animalia Subphylum Vertebrata Order Squamata Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Class Reptilia Suborder Serpentes | |
Similar Rustyhead snake, Tretanorhinus, Mussurana, Enulius flavitorques, Scaphiodontophis annulatus | ||
Clelia scytalina, commonly known as the Mexican snake eater or zopilota de altura (highland mussarana), is a species of colubrid snake endemic to the New World.
Contents
Geographic range
It is found in Southern Mexico, Central America, and Colombia.
Description
The head 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. They are often mistaken for coral snakes and killed.
Habitat
It 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, it is known to feed on other snakes.
Reproduction
It is oviparous (egg-laying).