Esmeraldas Racer
Mastigodryas pleei / dorsalis (regional complex)
A slender, fast-moving colubrid from the humid lowland forests of western Ecuador and Colombia's Choco region.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.7-1.2 m (2.3-4 ft)
- Range
- Western Ecuador and Colombia (Esmeraldas region and Choco lowlands)
Found a snake like this?
Identify any snake from a photo, free.
Overview
The Esmeraldas racer is a regional whipsnake found in the biodiverse Choco lowland forests spanning western Ecuador and Colombia, named for the Esmeraldas province where it is commonly recorded. Like other tropical racers, it is diurnal and quick.
It is harmless to humans, relying on speed to escape predators and disturbances rather than any form of defense through venom.
How to identify it
- Slim, elongated body with a long tail
- Brownish to olive dorsum, sometimes with a faint pale dorsolateral stripe
- Lighter, cream to yellow underside
- Large eyes with round pupils suited to daytime activity
- Similar species separated by subtle scale count and regional range differences
Habitat & range
Found in humid tropical lowland and premontane forest of the Choco bioregion, including forest edges, plantations, and riparian corridors in western Ecuador and adjacent Colombia.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Diurnal and terrestrial to semi-arboreal, actively foraging for frogs, lizards, and small vertebrates. Egg-laying, with a defensive strategy centered on rapid flight when disturbed.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Esmeraldas racer venomous?
No, it is non-venomous and not dangerous to humans.
Where does it live?
It is native to the Choco lowland forests of western Ecuador and Colombia.
Is it fast?
Yes, like other racers it moves quickly and relies on speed to evade threats.
What does it eat?
It feeds on frogs, lizards, and other small vertebrates.
Esmeraldas Racer guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Esmeraldas Racer.
