Boddaert's Tropical Racer
Mastigodryas boddaerti
A slender, fast-moving brown racer common across northern South America, active by day in forest and open habitats.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.8-1.3 m (2.5-4 ft)
- Range
- Northern South America including the Amazon Basin and Trinidad
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Overview
Boddaert's tropical racer is a widespread and adaptable colubrid found from Trinidad through the Amazon Basin and adjacent regions of northern South America. It is one of the more frequently encountered snakes in its range due to its diurnal habits and tolerance of disturbed habitats.
Harmless to people, it relies on speed and alertness rather than venom, fleeing quickly when threatened.
How to identify it
- Slender build with a long tail
- Brown to olive dorsal color, often with faint dark flecking or stripes
- Pale cream to yellowish underside
- Large eyes with round pupils, giving it keen daytime vision
- Distinguished from vine snakes by a more robust body and shorter, less pointed snout
Habitat & range
Occupies forest edges, savanna, gallery forest, agricultural land, and gardens across northern South America, from lowlands to moderate elevations.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Diurnal and highly active, foraging on the ground and in low vegetation. Feeds on frogs, lizards, small mammals, and occasionally other snakes. Egg-laying, and quick to flee rather than confront threats.
Frequently asked questions
Is Boddaert's tropical racer dangerous?
No, it is non-venomous and harmless to humans.
Where is it commonly found?
It ranges across northern South America, including Trinidad and much of the Amazon Basin.
Is it active at night or day?
It is diurnal, active during daylight hours.
What does it eat?
It feeds on frogs, lizards, small mammals, and sometimes other snakes.
Boddaert's Tropical Racer guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Boddaert's Tropical Racer.
