More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
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Snakes of Zihuatanejo
SUBORDER SERPENTES
Thornscrub Vine Snake
-Vertebrates (Subphylum Vertebrata)
-Snakes and Lizards (Order Squamata)
-Colubrid Snakes (Family Colubridae)
-Colubrine Snakes (Subfamily Colubrinae)
-Vine Snakes (Genus Oxybelis)
-Thornscrub Vine Snake (Oxybelis microphthalmus)
The Thornscrub Vine Snake (Oxybelis microphthalmus) is a slender, arboreal, rear-fanged colubrid snake. This species is very slender, with a body that is laterally compressed, an elongated head distinct from its neck, and a very long tail. As its name suggests, it primarily inhabits thornscrub environments. It is a diurnal (active during the day) and largely arboreal species, spending most of its life in trees and bushes. It is known for its ability to remain motionless among branches, using its camouflage to avoid predators and ambush prey. Its diet primarily consists of small lizards and frogs, which it catches both on the ground and in trees. Its venom has little to no effect on humans, typically causing only slight tingling or temporary numbness at the bite site.
Oxybelis microphthalmus
Diet
Carnivorous, feeding primarily on anoles, geckos, skinks, tree frogs, small birds, bird eggs, and occasionally large insects.
An ambush predator that relies on camouflage to remain undetected before striking with remarkable speed.
Uses a mild rear-fanged venom to subdue prey, but it poses little risk to humans.
Range
Found from western Mexico through Central America to northwestern South America, including Colombia and Ecuador.
In Mexico, it occurs along the Pacific slope, including Guerrero and the Zihuatanejo region.
Found from sea level to about 1,800 m (5,900 ft).
Habitat
Inhabits tropical dry forests, tropical semi-deciduous forests, tropical rainforests, woodland edges, secondary forests, and thorn scrub.
Highly arboreal, spending most of its life among shrubs, vines, and tree branches.
Most active during the day, when it slowly moves through vegetation in search of prey.
Size
Total length: 1.0–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft)
Average adult length: 1.2–1.5 m (4–5 ft)
Weight: 80–250 g