South American Yellow-tailed Cribo
Drymarchon corais • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Drymarchon, Species: corais
Found across South America, including Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and parts of Argentina.
Look up South American Yellow-tailed Cribo in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Non-venomous
Danger Level
Harmless; they are large and can bite defensively if cornered, but they pose no toxic threat to humans.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Drymarchon, Species: corais
Conservation
Least Concern (IUCN), though local populations face threats from habitat loss and intentional killing due to fear.
Physical Description
Large, robust snake with smooth, glossy scales. The anterior body is typically dark olive, brown, or black, transitioning to a distinct tan or yellowish color on the posterior half and tail. The head is relatively distinct from the neck with large eyes and round pupils.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen in the image appears to be an adult of approximately 1.8-2.2 meters. Species can reach up to 2.8 meters (9 feet) in length.
Habitat
Inhabits varied environments but is most common in tropical moist forests (bosque tropical), gallery forests, and swamp edges. Occurs from sea level to approximately 1,500 meters.
Behavior & Temperament
Diurnal and highly active forager. They are known for being bold and fast-moving. When threatened, they may inflate their necks, hiss loudly, and vibrate their tails, but they generally prefer to flee.
Diet & Feeding
Generalist carnivore and powerful active hunter. They consume mammals, birds, lizards, frogs, and are notable for being ophiophagous (eating other snakes, including venomous species like pit vipers). They overwhelm prey with powerful jaws rather than constriction.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying). Females lay clutches of 5 to 15 eggs, usually during the rainy season to ensure humidity for incubation.
Venom Profile
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
Look-alikes
Often confused with the Clelia clelia (Mussurana) when dark, or Puerterian racers, but distinguished by its larger size and characteristic yellow/tan tail transition.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN), though local populations face threats from habitat loss and intentional killing due to fear.
Cultural Significance
Highly respected by local farmers as 'snake eaters' that help control populations of dangerous vipers like the Fer-de-lance (Bothrops).
Notable Features
Famous for their immunity or high resistance to the venom of the pit vipers they hunt, and for their exceptionally glossy, 'parchment-like' smooth scales.
Notes
Ecuador bosque tropical