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
Drymobius margaritiferus
Speckled Racer
(Schlegel, 1837)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Slender and extremely fast snake, characterized by a unique color pattern: black scales bordered with yellow or bright green, giving it a gemstone-like appearance or splashes of dew. Its head is distinctive, with large eyes and round pupils that reflect its diurnal nature and great visual acuity. It has a cylindrical body designed for speed on uneven terrain.
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Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
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.Drymobius
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Schlegel, 1837)
Record Completeness
95%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.
Wet Season
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
Found in a wide variety of habitats, from humid tropical forests and cloud forests to disturbed areas, gardens, and roadsides. It is a terrestrial and semi-arboreal species, common in Costa Rica and throughout Central America. It prefers areas with dense low vegetation near water bodies, where it seeks shelter and food.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
It is an eminently diurnal reptile. Its activity level is high and constant during daylight hours, spending most of its time on the ground or on low branches searching for food. It is a nervous and alert snake, which reacts quickly to any external movement. At night, it takes refuge under fallen logs, rocks, or in abandoned burrows to rest.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
It is a solitary animal. It does not show gregarious behaviors or group defense. Each individual patrols its own hunting territory, interacting with others of its species only during reproductive periods.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Active carnivore. It feeds predominantly on lizards, frogs, and occasionally small rodents. Its hunting technique is fast: it detects the prey, approaches quickly, and captures it through a precise strike, often swallowing it while it is still alive.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Acts as a vital secondary consumer in Neotropical ecosystems. Its diet helps control populations of small vertebrates that could otherwise become excessive in anthropogenic environments. At the same time, it is prey for diurnal raptors, predatory mammals, and other ophiophagous snakes.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Oviparous species. The female seeks humid and protected places, such as inside rotten logs or under deep leaf litter, to deposit between 2 and 8 eggs. Incubation lasts several weeks, and the young, upon birth, are perfect miniatures of the adults, ready to hunt from the first day.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
80.0 - 120.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
50 g - 150 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.2 - 8
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
1 - 2 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
30 - 45
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males5 - 8 Years
Females5 - 8 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Escape Speed: Its common name "racer" is a reflection of its main defense. When threatened, it flees at a surprising speed, taking advantage of its agility to disappear quickly into the leaf litter or climb low shrubs.
Constant Exploratory Behavior: Unlike other snakes that remain motionless, this species usually keeps the anterior part of its body elevated while moving, allowing it to have a superior field of vision to detect prey and avoid predators.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat loss: Urbanization and land conversion for agriculture eliminate the biological corridors necessary for its movement. Forest fragmentation drastically reduces hunting areas.
Road mortality: Being a very active and terrestrial species, it suffers a high mortality rate due to roadkill when crossing paths that traverse forested areas.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
It is one of the most frequently seen snakes in gardens and urban parks within its distribution range, often leading to accidental encounters with humans. Despite its striking appearance, it is completely harmless to people.