Brown Sipo
Chironius fuscus
A slender, fast-moving brown colubrid of the Amazon rainforest, active during the day in vegetation and forest edges.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 1-1.5 m (3.3-5 ft)
- Range
- Amazon Basin, South America
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Overview
The brown sipo is a diurnal, non-venomous colubrid widespread throughout the Amazon Basin. It belongs to the genus Chironius, known collectively as sipos, agile snakes adapted to both arboreal and terrestrial movement.
It is harmless to humans and typically flees rapidly when encountered.
How to identify it
- Uniform brown to reddish-brown dorsal coloration
- Pale yellowish or cream underside
- Slender body with a long tail, keeled dorsal scales
- Large eyes with round pupils
- Distinguished from green sipo species by its brown rather than green coloration
Habitat & range
Found in lowland tropical rainforest, forest edges, and clearings throughout the Amazon Basin, generally below 800 m elevation.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Diurnal and semi-arboreal, moving quickly through both ground vegetation and low branches. Feeds on frogs and small lizards. Lays eggs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the brown sipo dangerous?
No, it is non-venomous and harmless to humans.
Is it arboreal or terrestrial?
It is semi-arboreal, moving between the ground and low vegetation.
What does it eat?
Frogs and small lizards.
Where is it found?
Throughout the lowland Amazon rainforest.
Brown Sipo guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Brown Sipo.
