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
Tantilla alticola
Montane Centipede Snake
(Boulenger, 1903)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A small, secretive, and slender snake with a uniform dark brown or blackish dorsal coloration, often featuring a lighter, contrasting head cap.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
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.Tantilla
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Boulenger, 1903)
Record Completeness
96%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 high-elevation montane forests and cloud forests, typically found under leaf litter, rocks, or fallen logs.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Secretive, primarily nocturnal, and fossorial. Seldom seen on the surface unless disturbed.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary, with very limited social interaction.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Specialized invertebrate feeder.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Predator of small invertebrates. Preyed upon by other small snakes, amphibians, and larger arthropods.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Oviparous; deposits eggs in deep, moist soil pockets.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
20.0 - 35.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
5 g - 15 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 - 4
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.
12 - 18 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 - 5 Years
Females4 - 6 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are slightly smaller with more slender tails.
Females Multi-lang
Females are typically more robust and slightly longer in total body length.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Specialized for a fossorial lifestyle, with a smooth, compact body and a small head designed for burrowing into moist soil or leaf litter.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Highly sensitive to microhabitat changes; threatened by deforestation and agricultural expansion that dries out the forest floor.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Despite their name, they rarely eat centipedes; they are specialized predators of soft-bodied invertebrates like insect larvae and earthworms.