Leopard Water Snake
Helicops leopardinus
A boldly spotted aquatic snake of southern South American wetlands, named for the leopard-like blotches covering its body.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-1.0 m (2-3.3 ft)
- Range
- Southern South America (Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Bolivia)
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Overview
The Leopard Water Snake is a distinctive, strongly aquatic colubrid found in wetlands and river systems of southern South America, including the Pantanal and adjacent basins. Its bold spotted pattern gives it its common name.
Like its relatives in the genus Helicops, it is mildly venomous via rear fangs, an adaptation aiding capture of slippery aquatic prey, and it is not considered dangerous to humans.
How to identify it
- Olive-brown to grayish dorsal background covered in dark, leopard-like spots or blotches
- Pale belly, often with spotting
- High-set eyes and nostrils for aquatic life
- Keeled scales for a slightly rough texture
- Distinguished from the brown-banded water snake by rounded spots rather than crossbands
Habitat & range
Inhabits marshes, flooded grasslands, rivers, and ponds across the Pantanal and surrounding wetlands of Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Argentina.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Aquatic and largely nocturnal, though can be seen basking or foraging by day in quieter wetland habitats. Feeds on fish and amphibians, subdued with mild venom from rear fangs. Gives birth to live young. Generally non-aggressive.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called the Leopard Water Snake?
It is named for the bold, leopard-like dark spots covering its body.
Is it venomous?
It is mildly venomous but not dangerous to humans.
Where does it live?
Wetlands and rivers of southern South America, especially the Pantanal region.
What does it eat?
Fish and amphibians.
Leopard Water Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Leopard Water Snake.
