AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Rhadinaea calligaster
Thick Graceful Brown Snake
(Cope, 1876)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A moderately robust colubrid snake with a glossy appearance. It is characterized by its brown dorsal coloration, often accompanied by longitudinal stripes and a distinct pattern on the head and nape.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Culebra hojarasca gruesaThick Graceful Brown Snake
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Reptilia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Squamata
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Colubridae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Rhadinaea
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Cope, 1876)
Record Completeness
94%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits humid forests, cloud forests, and coffee plantations, frequently found in the leaf litter of the forest floor.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Mainly terrestrial and diurnal, though it shows some crepuscular activity. Very active when searching for food.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary, generally avoids social interaction.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Generalist predator of small vertebrates and invertebrates.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Feeds on small frogs, lizards, and insects. Preyed upon by larger snakes, birds, and small mammalian predators.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Oviparous; lays eggs in protected microhabitats like damp leaf litter.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
30.0 - 50.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
10 g - 40 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.3 - 6
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
15 - 20 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
30 - 50
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males3 - 6 Years
Females4 - 7 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are typically smaller and have longer, more slender tails.
Females Multi-lang
Females are generally larger and more robust, accommodating egg development.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Its slightly robust body and smooth scales facilitate movement through dense leaf litter and shallow burrows.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Susceptible to habitat destruction caused by agricultural expansion and loss of leaf-litter cover.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The name 'Graceful' refers to its slender proportions, despite being slightly thicker than other members of the genus.