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
Sibon nebulatus
Cloudy Snail-eater
(Linnaeus, 1758)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A nocturnal snake with a body notably compressed laterally, giving it a slender and distinctive silhouette. Its coloration is an intricate mosaic of dark bands (brown or black) on a lighter background, reminiscent of clouds or disruptive patterns on bark. It has a broad, rounded head with large eyes and vertical pupils, ideal adaptations for low-light vision and an arboreal or semi-arboreal lifestyle.
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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).Dipsadidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Sibon
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Linnaeus, 1758)
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.
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 mainly humid tropical forests, cloud forests, and riparian vegetation areas. It is frequently found in low vegetation or bushes near water sources, where its main prey (mollusks) are most abundant. It is a species tolerant of secondary habitats, occasionally appearing in plantations and areas near human settlements with good vegetation cover.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
It is a strictly nocturnal reptile. During the day, it usually rests hidden among dense vegetation or under logs, where its mimicry patterns make it almost invisible. At nightfall, it becomes active and begins its slow and methodical patrol through branches and the ground in search of its favorite prey. Its nature is shy and avoids direct contact, preferring evasion over confrontation.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
It is a solitary animal that does not show group behaviors. Its social interaction is minimal, limited almost exclusively to mating encounters. For most of the time, it maintains a solitary existence patrolling its area of influence in search of food.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Specialized molluscivore. It feeds almost exclusively on land snails, slugs, and, occasionally, eggs of other mollusks. It uses its specialized teeth to grip the snail's body and extract it precisely from its shell, a process that requires skill and patience.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
It occupies a specialized place as a consumer of terrestrial mollusks, helping to maintain the balance in snail populations that could affect vegetation or decomposition. It is prey to various nocturnal predators, including small mammals, owls, and other larger predatory snakes that share its stratum.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Oviparous species. The female deposits eggs, usually in small numbers (between 2 and 5), in humid and protected places such as under leaf litter, tree cavities, or rock crevices. Incubation is a critical period that depends on stable humidity conditions. Upon birth, the young are exact replicas of the adults and disperse immediately to start their independent life cycle.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
60.0 - 85.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
30 g - 60 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 - 5
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).
40 - 50
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males6 - 10 Years
Females6 - 10 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Specialized Jaw Morphology: Its jaws are mechanically adapted to extract the soft body of the snail from its shell without the need to break it. The teeth are long and curved backward, allowing for a firm grip on the slug or mollusk.
Disruptive Coloration: The band pattern on its body breaks its visual silhouette against the background of fallen leaves and bark, a crucial adaptation for hiding from predators and staying unnoticed while hunting during the night.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Destruction of riparian habitats: The removal of vegetation on riverbanks and wetlands drastically reduces the abundance of mollusks, its primary food source.
Pesticide contamination: The use of molluscicides and other chemicals in nearby agricultural crops directly affects snail populations, creating a cascade effect that reduces prey availability for this snake.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Defensive behavior: When feeling cornered, the cloudy snail-eater can flatten its body drastically and release a foul-smelling secretion from its cloacal glands to deter attackers, a fascinating behavior that demonstrates its evolutionary ingenuity.