Rainforest reminiscences 3: The velvety swamp snake

What is green, gray, or red, with or without vestiges of bands, and is usually found in quiet Amazonian shallows?

If you guessed the velvety swamp snake, Liophis typhlus, you were right. But the chances are you didn't guess this, for it is a seldom heard of, although common, semiaquatic snake. The majority of this species that we have found have been at riveredge or crossing forest trails on rainy nights.

When startled, the snake may bite or flatten and expand their neck in cobra-hood style. Several individuals have regurgitated frogs or frogs' eggs when captured.

To date, we have found far more green examples that red or gray, but all colors are seen with some regularity. Time to head south again and add to the memories.

More photos under the jump...

This velvety swamp snake is flattening and distending the neck, a defensive ploy: Despite its color, this pretty velvety swamp snake blended well with the dead leaves and twigs of its habitat:

Author, photographer, and columnist Richard Bartlett is one of the most prolific writers on herpetological subjects in the 20th century. With hundreds of books and articles to their credit, Richard and his wife Pat have spent over four decades documenting reptiles both in the field and in captivity. For a list of their current titles, please visit their page in our bookstore.