Liana Snake
Siphlophis cervinus
A vividly patterned, slender arboreal snake of Amazonian and Central American forests, closely related to the red vine snake.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 0.7-1.1 m (2.3-3.6 ft)
- Range
- Amazon Basin and Central America
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Overview
The liana snake is an arboreal, rear-fanged colubrid distributed from Central America through the Amazon Basin. Like its relative the red vine snake, it is well adapted to life among lianas and forest vegetation.
It is mildly venomous but not dangerous to humans, and its bright coloration is thought to provide some mimicry advantage against predators.
How to identify it
- Bright red, orange, or reddish-brown blotches separated by black and cream banding
- Slightly compressed body suited for climbing
- Large eyes with vertically elliptical pupils
- Slender, elongated build
- Distinguished from the red vine snake by subtler differences in blotch shape and scale counts, best confirmed by range and expert examination
Habitat & range
Found in tropical rainforest vegetation, vines, and understory shrubs from Central America through the Amazon Basin, mostly in lowland forest below 800 m.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and arboreal, preying on sleeping lizards and occasionally small frogs found on foliage. Lays eggs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the liana snake venomous?
It is mildly venomous but poses no significant threat to humans.
How does it differ from the red vine snake?
The two are closely related and similar looking, distinguished mainly by subtle pattern and scale differences and geographic range.
What does it eat?
Mostly sleeping lizards found while climbing through vegetation at night.
Where does it live?
Tropical forest vegetation from Central America through the Amazon Basin.
Liana Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Liana Snake.
