White-spotted Cat Snake
Boiga drapiezii
A slender, marbled cat snake often marked with pale flecks, found in the forests of Southeast Asia.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 1.0-1.8 m (3.3-5.9 ft)
- Range
- Southeast Asia
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Overview
The white-spotted cat snake is a slender, arboreal member of the genus Boiga found in forested regions of Southeast Asia. Its common name reflects the pale or whitish flecking that can appear along its variably colored body, and it is also known as the marbled cat snake for its mottled patterning.
It is a nocturnal predator adapted to life in the forest canopy and understory, feeding on a range of small vertebrates.
As a rear-fanged species, it is mildly venomous, and its bite is not considered a serious threat to human health.
How to identify it
- Very slender, elongated body with variable coloration ranging from pale gray and brown to reddish tones
- Pale or whitish spots and dark markings scattered along a mottled, marbled dorsum
- Narrow, elongated head distinct from the neck, with vertically elliptical pupils
- Smooth scales
- Long, whip-like tail suited to climbing
The combination of a slender build, marbled patterning, and pale flecking helps separate it from other cat snakes in the region.
Habitat & range
Found in lowland and hill forests of Southeast Asia, including the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, Java, the Philippines, and neighboring regions. It is highly arboreal, occupying trees, shrubs, and dense vegetation within relatively intact forest.
It is generally associated with humid tropical forest habitats.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal, hunting at night among branches and foliage. Like other cat snakes, it relies on stealth and active foraging to locate prey, and may display defensive coiling if disturbed.
Its diet includes small lizards, frogs, and other small vertebrates typical of the genus. It is oviparous, laying clutches of elongated eggs, though detailed reproductive data is limited.
Frequently asked questions
Is the white-spotted cat snake venomous?
It is mildly venomous with rear fangs, but not considered a serious threat to human health.
How can you identify a white-spotted cat snake?
Look for its very slender, marbled body with pale or whitish flecking and a narrow head.
Where is the white-spotted cat snake found?
It occurs in forests of Southeast Asia, including the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, and the Philippines.
What does the white-spotted cat snake eat?
It preys mainly on small lizards, frogs, and other small vertebrates.
White-spotted Cat Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding White-spotted Cat Snake.
