Borikenophis portoricensis

Puerto Rican Slim Snake ( Alsophis portoricensis )

The Puerto Rican Slim Snake ( Alsophis portoricensis ) is a representative of the family of snakes.

Description

The Puerto Rican Slim snake reaches a length of 93 centimeters. The dorsal scales are brown with dark brown edges. The head is not marked. The throat is either unmarked or covered with dark spots. The ventral scales are light with dark brown edges.

Occurrence

The distribution area extends from Puerto Rico over the U.S. Virgin Islands to the British Virgin Islands.

Way of life

The Puerto Rican Slim snake is diurnal and is both on trees and on the ground in search of food. It feeds on Anolis lizards and geckos, iguanas and small frogs. It is adapted to dry habitats and basks during the hot days in the sun. Between March and May, the female lays up to eleven eggs.

If the Puerto Rican Slim Snake is attacked, she straightens up and broadened, similar to a cobra, her neck to a flat disk. Their venom causing humans pain, swelling and skin discoloration.

Status

The Puerto Rican Slim snake is often in the broadest range of their distribution area. On Saint Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, it became extinct. However, it has been demonstrated recently in the south of Saint Thomas situated island Water Iceland and on some cays. In Saint John, it is extremely rare.