Black-headed Cat Snake

The black-headed cat snake is a moderately large member of the genus Boiga found across parts of Southeast Asia. Its most distinctive feature is a dark, often solid black head that contrasts with a lighter reddish-brown or orange body.

It is a nocturnal, arboreal predator of lowland forests, and while not commonly seen, it is recognized as one of the more visually distinct members of its genus due to its contrasting head color.

As a rear-fanged species, it is mildly venomous, and bites are not considered dangerous to humans.

• Slender body, reddish-brown to orange-brown with a paler venter
• Distinctly dark or black head, sharply contrasting with the body color
• Broad head shape typical of cat snakes, with vertically elliptical pupils
• Smooth scales
• Long, slender tail

The strongly contrasting black head against a paler body is the key feature separating it from other cat snakes in the region.

Found in lowland tropical forests across parts of Malaysia, Indonesia, Borneo, and neighboring regions. It is arboreal, inhabiting trees and dense vegetation within humid forest.

It is generally associated with relatively undisturbed lowland forest habitats.

Nocturnal, hunting at night among branches and foliage. As with other cat snakes, it likely relies on stealth and ambush to capture prey, striking with mildly venomous rear fangs.

Its diet is presumed to include small lizards, birds, and possibly small mammals. It is presumed oviparous, though detailed reproductive data remains limited.