Cat-eyed Snake
Leptodeira septentrionalis • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Dipsadinae, Genus: Leptodeira, Species: Leptodeira septentrionalis
Southern Texas in the United States through Mexico and Central America down to parts of northwestern South America.
Look up Cat-eyed Snake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Dipsadinae, Genus: Leptodeira, Species: Leptodeira septentrionalis
Conservation
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, with stable populations across much of its native range, though facing localized pressures from habitat loss and fragmentation.
Physical Description
Slender body with a distinct, wider head and large eyes featuring vertical pupils. Coloration consists of a light brown or reddish-brown background pattern marked with dark brown or black blotches along the back and sides, often accompanied by pale whitish or yellowish flecks bordering the blotches.
Size & Dimensions
Specimen shown appears to be a subadult or small adult, approximately 40 to 60 cm in length. Typical adult size ranges from 50 to 90 cm, with a maximum recorded length exceeding 100 cm.
Habitat
Found in a variety of tropical and subtropical habitats, including dry forests, humid forests, brushlands, and lowland plains, often near water sources such as streams, ponds, or temporary pools.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily feeds on amphibians, particularly frogs, toads, and their eggs, as well as small lizards. Utilizes an active foraging strategy, often hunting at night near water bodies.
Reproduction
Oviparous species that lays clutches of eggs, typically ranging from 4 to 12 eggs per clutch during the warmer wet season.
Look-alikes
Frequently confused with various juvenile or adult nocturnal snakes within its range, such as certain species of ground snakes or night snakes (Hypsiglena), but distinguished by its prominent vertical pupils, distinct blotching pattern, and head shape.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, with stable populations across much of its native range, though facing localized pressures from habitat loss and fragmentation.
Cultural Significance
Acts as an important natural predator in controlling amphibian and small reptile populations within its native ecosystems.
Notable Features
Features cat-like vertical pupils adapted for nocturnal activity and specialized enlarged rear teeth associated with prey handling.