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Project Noah Nature School
Leptophis ahaetulla
Long, slender snake that can get up to 170cm (5'6"). This one was about 4' long. Essentially green with gold and bronze and on the dorsal surface scales have a black edge (or keel). It also has a black eye stripe, a brilliant yellow iris and a pale belly. Considered non venomous it does have a mild venom and rear fangs so not particularly dangerous. They do do exhibit aggressive behavior when disturbed with gaping and mock strikes.
Found in lowland rain forest around Iguassu Falls in Northern Argentina. Was actually on the ground beside the trail, feeding on the frog.
Although I have classed this a a Parrot Snake, there are several species and I am not 100% sure this is a Green Parrot Snake. I know there are several ways of picking it, including counting scales on the face etc but I dont have that sort of expertise in snake physiology. If anyone has any other thoughts I would be happy to hear. I was thinking it could be a Black Headed Vine Snake, but not so sure of the ranges for the various species.
Spotted on Nov 9, 2015
Submitted on Nov 17, 2015
12 Comments
Thanks for that Ashley, frog certainly looked a bit bloated but still a huge mouthful with those long legs and all! Have seen it on tv but this was my first time witnessing it in person - fascinating.
A big defense strategy for frogs is to inhale a lot of air to make themselves blow up like balloons to make them harder to eat. So the frog looks bigger than he actually is, just filled with lots of air :) Still a large meal for this skinny guy though!
Thank you Ashley, an honour to be nominated.
Thank you Polilla, it was almost sureal watching such a skinny snake swallow such a comparatively huge frog!
Your spotting has been nominated for the Spotting of the Week. The winner will be chosen by the Project Noah Rangers based on a combination of factors including: uniqueness of the shot, status of the organism (for example, rare or endangered), quality of the information provided in the habitat and description sections. There is a subjective element, of course; the spotting with the highest number of Ranger votes is chosen. Congratulations on being nominated!
Thank you KarthikAk and Viv. I tend to leave snakes well alone too Viv but couldnt resist this one.
Not a huge fan of snakes triggsturner, but that is a great spotting :)
Awesome!
Thanks Leuba. I agree, it was fascinating to watch such a slender snake take on such a mouthful! Can see the lower jaw has dislocated to accommodate its meal.
What a beautiful snake - can't believe that something so slender would go for a bulky frog ! Great photos and information. Thanks triggsturner.
Hi Clubpenguins2.0, I saw this on the trail to Iguassu Falls on the Argentinian side of the falls at mid morning.
Where did you see this