Black Mussurana
Clelia clelia
A large, glossy black colubrid widespread across Latin America, famed for eating other snakes, including venomous vipers and coral snakes.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 1.5-2.4 m (5-8 ft)
- Range
- Central America and South America
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Overview
The black mussurana is one of the largest and most widely distributed members of the genus Clelia, ranging from Central America deep into South America. It is a powerful constrictor with a strong reputation as a natural predator of venomous snakes.
Although rear-fanged and technically venomous, its bite poses little danger to humans, and it is generally regarded as beneficial due to its snake-eating habits.
How to identify it
- Adults uniform glossy black to dark bluish-gray above, paler below
- Juveniles brightly colored red with a black-and-white banded head and neck, fading with age
- Smooth scales, stout muscular body
- Broad head slightly distinct from neck
- Round pupils
- Adults can resemble other large black colubrids but are identified by range and juvenile coloration history
Habitat & range
Inhabits a wide range of lowland habitats including forests, savannas, agricultural land, and areas near water from Central America through much of tropical South America, generally below 1,000 m.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and terrestrial, an active forager that constricts prey. Feeds heavily on other snakes, including venomous species, as well as lizards and small mammals. Females lay eggs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the black mussurana venomous?
It has mild rear-fanged venom used mainly to subdue prey, and it is not dangerous to humans.
Why is it considered beneficial?
It preys on venomous snakes, including vipers and coral snakes, helping regulate their populations.
How big does it get?
It is a large colubrid, commonly reaching 1.5 to 2.4 m in length.
Do juveniles look like adults?
No, juveniles are bright red with a banded head that fades to solid black or dark gray as they mature.
Black Mussurana guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Black Mussurana.
