Variegated Snail-eater
Sibon annulatus
A brightly banded, snail-eating colubrid of Central American rainforests, named for its variegated red, black, and cream coloration.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.4-0.7 m (1.3-2.3 ft)
- Range
- Central America (Honduras to Panama)
Found a snake like this?
Identify any snake from a photo, free.
Overview
The Variegated Snail-eater is a small, colorful dipsadid snake restricted to Central American rainforests from Honduras to Panama. Its striking banded pattern sets it apart from the duller, mottled species in the same genus.
As with other Sibon species, it is entirely non-venomous and specializes in feeding on snails and slugs, using specialized dentition to extract prey from their shells.
How to identify it
- Bold banding of red, black, and cream or white encircling the body
- Slender, laterally compressed body
- Large eyes adapted for nocturnal activity
- Blunt, rounded head
- Distinguished from the cloudy snail-eater by crisp banded rather than mottled blotched pattern
Habitat & range
Restricted to humid lowland and premontane rainforest in Central America, particularly in Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, often near streams and dense understory vegetation.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and arboreal to semi-arboreal, foraging in low vegetation for snails and slugs. Moves slowly and deliberately while feeding. Egg-laying species, favoring humid microhabitats that support its prey base.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Variegated Snail-eater eat?
Snails and slugs, extracted from their shells.
Is it venomous?
No, it is non-venomous and harmless to humans.
Where is it found?
Rainforests of Central America from Honduras to Panama.
How does its pattern differ from other snail-eaters?
It has bold, crisp banding rather than the mottled blotches seen in species like the cloudy snail-eater.
Variegated Snail-eater guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Variegated Snail-eater.
