Forest Racer
Dendrophidion percarinatum
A slim, keel-scaled racer inhabiting the leaf litter and understory of humid Neotropical forests.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.7-1.3 m (2.3-4.3 ft)
- Range
- Central America and northwestern South America
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Overview
The forest racer is a fast-moving, diurnal snake found in the understory of humid lowland and premontane forests from Central America into northwestern South America. Its strongly keeled dorsal scales give it a slightly rough texture compared to smoother racers.
Completely harmless, this species relies almost entirely on speed and camouflage rather than aggression or venom.
How to identify it
- Brown to olive dorsal coloration, often with faint darker crossbands or blotches, most visible in juveniles
- Strongly keeled dorsal scales giving a slightly rough sheen
- Pale belly, sometimes with dark speckling
- Large eyes with round pupils
- Distinguished from smooth racers by keeled scale texture and forest-floor habits
Habitat & range
Inhabits the leaf litter and low understory of humid tropical forests, from lowlands into premontane elevations, throughout Central America and parts of northwestern South America.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Diurnal and terrestrial, foraging actively through leaf litter for frogs and lizards. Extremely fast when fleeing disturbance. Egg-laying.
Frequently asked questions
Is the forest racer venomous?
No, it is completely non-venomous.
What makes its scales unusual?
Its dorsal scales are strongly keeled, giving it a rougher texture than many other racers.
Where is it found?
It occurs in humid forests of Central America and northwestern South America.
What does it eat?
It preys mainly on frogs and small lizards found in leaf litter.
Forest Racer guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Forest Racer.
