Cat Snake
Boiga trigonata
A slender, nocturnal, rear-fanged colubrid named for its vertically elliptical, cat-like pupils, found across South Asia and the Middle East.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 0.7-1.2 m (2.3-4 ft)
- Range
- South Asia and parts of the Middle East
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Overview
The cat snake is a slender, rear-fanged colubrid distributed across the Indian subcontinent, Iran, and neighboring regions of the Middle East. Its large, vertically elliptical pupils resemble those of a cat, giving the species its common name.
It is a mildly venomous species; its rear fangs and mild venom are adapted for subduing small prey and its bite is not considered medically significant to healthy adults, though caution is still warranted with any wild snake.
How to identify it
- Slender, laterally compressed body typical of arboreal/semi-arboreal colubrids
- Large head distinct from a narrow neck
- Vertically elliptical (cat-like) pupils, an adaptation for nocturnal vision
- Base color pale gray, tan, or brown with a series of darker brown or blackish blotches or crossbands along the back
- A dark stripe often runs from the eye to the jaw
- Smooth, glossy scales
Habitat & range
Occupies dry scrubland, rocky terrain, agricultural areas, and semi-desert, often near human habitation. Range extends across India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Iran, and parts of the Arabian Peninsula, from lowlands to moderate elevations.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal, becoming active after dusk to hunt. Diet consists of lizards, small mammals, birds, and their eggs, subdued with mild venom delivered through enlarged rear teeth. Defensive posture includes flattening the body and forming an S-shape when threatened. Oviparous, laying small clutches of eggs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the cat snake venomous?
It is mildly venomous with rear fangs adapted for subduing small prey; its bite is not considered medically significant to healthy adult humans.
Why is it called the cat snake?
It has large, vertically elliptical pupils resembling those of a cat, an adaptation for nocturnal vision.
Where is the cat snake found?
It occurs across the Indian subcontinent, Iran, and parts of the Arabian Peninsula.
Is the cat snake active during the day?
No, it is primarily nocturnal, hunting at night.
Cat Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Cat Snake.
