Neotropical Water Snake
Helicops angulatus
A strongly aquatic colubrid common in still and slow-moving freshwater habitats across northern South America.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 0.5-0.9 m (1.6-3 ft)
- Range
- Northern and central South America, Trinidad
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Overview
The Neotropical water snake is one of the most frequently encountered aquatic snakes in the lowland wetlands of South America. It belongs to the genus Helicops, a group of rear-fanged, semi-aquatic colubrids specialized for life in water.
It is a mild rear-fanged species, not considered dangerous to people, and is more often noticed fleeing into water than confronted.
How to identify it
- Olive to brown dorsum with irregular dark blotches or crossbands
- Ventral surface often yellow, orange, or red with dark checkering
- Smooth, keeled dorsal scales adapted for swimming
- Small eyes set high and forward on the head, an aquatic adaptation
- Round pupils
- Distinguished from true water snakes elsewhere by its South American range and keeled scale pattern
Habitat & range
Found in ponds, marshes, flooded forests, slow rivers, and rice fields across the Amazon and Orinoco basins and coastal lowlands. Prefers still or slow water with abundant vegetation and typically stays below 500 m elevation.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Mostly nocturnal and almost entirely aquatic, rarely straying far from water. Feeds on fish and amphibians captured underwater. Females give birth to live young rather than laying eggs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Neotropical water snake dangerous?
It is only mildly venomous and poses little threat to humans; it prefers to flee into water rather than confront people.
Where does it live?
In freshwater wetlands, ponds, and slow rivers throughout northern and central South America.
What does it eat?
Primarily fish and amphibians caught while swimming.
Is it fully aquatic?
It is highly aquatic and rarely found far from water bodies.
Neotropical Water Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Neotropical Water Snake.
