Baron's Green Racer
Philodryas baroni
A striking, boldly patterned racer of the dry Gran Chaco woodlands, prized for its variable red, black, and cream coloration.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 1.0-1.5 m (3.3-5 ft)
- Range
- Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay (Gran Chaco region)
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Overview
Baron's Green Racer is a colorful colubrid native to the dry Chaco forests of Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Despite its name, adults often display striking red, orange, or blackish patterns rather than solid green, with considerable variation between populations.
Like other Philodryas, it is mildly venomous via rear fangs, used mainly to subdue lizards and other small prey, and is not considered dangerous to humans.
How to identify it
- Highly variable coloration, from green to red, orange, or blackish with pale crossbands or speckling
- Slender, elongated body with a long tail
- Round pupils and a narrow head
- Juveniles often more boldly patterned than adults
- Best identified by range within the dry Chaco region and variable banding
Habitat & range
Found in dry Chaco forest, scrubland, and semi-arid woodland across Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay, adapted to hot, seasonally dry conditions.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Diurnal and active, hunting lizards, small mammals, and occasionally birds. Uses mild rear-fanged venom to subdue prey. Fast-moving and alert, fleeing quickly when disturbed but capable of defensive biting if cornered. Egg-laying species.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Baron's Green Racer not always green?
Its coloration is highly variable, ranging from green to red, orange, or blackish patterns depending on the population.
Is it dangerous to humans?
It is mildly venomous but not considered dangerous to people.
Where does it live?
The dry Gran Chaco region of Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay.
What does it eat?
Lizards, small mammals, and occasionally birds.
Baron's Green Racer guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Baron's Green Racer.
