Colombian Earth Snake
Geophis brachycephalus
Natural History:
As its name suggests, the Colombian Earth Snake is primarily found under ground, under cover, in leaf litter and even ant hills where it forages for prey.
The Colombian Earth Snake feeds on soft bodied invertebrates such as earth worms and insect larvae. To aid in catching often slimy prey, the Earth Snake has adapted fangs which, like many other venomous colubrids, are found at the back of its mouth. The venom has little to no effect on humans as the toxicity is specialized to subdue and digest prey.
The Colombian Earth Snake can come in a variety of different colours. one common pattern is uniformly grey (pictured) though black individuals also occur. Many can also be found having red blotches and some with red cross-bands. These red patterns may be an attempt to mimic the venomous Coral Snake to deter potential predators. Hatchlings and juveniles have also been found to sport a white collar, likely to break up the shape of the snake on the forest floor and if disturbed under cover.
Although sometimes called the Colombian Earth Snake, this snake is not commonly found in Columbia but can be found in Costa Rica, south into Panama where some individuals may be found close to the Colombian boarder. Many sources will also call these snakes Grey Earth Snakes due to this lack of a population in Columbia.
The Colombian Earth Snake is one of the most commonly consumed snakes by larger predatory snakes such as Central American Coral Snakes (Micrurus sp.) and the Mussurana (Clelia clelia).
As its name suggests, the Colombian Earth Snake is primarily found under ground, under cover, in leaf litter and even ant hills where it forages for prey.
The Colombian Earth Snake feeds on soft bodied invertebrates such as earth worms and insect larvae. To aid in catching often slimy prey, the Earth Snake has adapted fangs which, like many other venomous colubrids, are found at the back of its mouth. The venom has little to no effect on humans as the toxicity is specialized to subdue and digest prey.
The Colombian Earth Snake can come in a variety of different colours. one common pattern is uniformly grey (pictured) though black individuals also occur. Many can also be found having red blotches and some with red cross-bands. These red patterns may be an attempt to mimic the venomous Coral Snake to deter potential predators. Hatchlings and juveniles have also been found to sport a white collar, likely to break up the shape of the snake on the forest floor and if disturbed under cover.
Although sometimes called the Colombian Earth Snake, this snake is not commonly found in Columbia but can be found in Costa Rica, south into Panama where some individuals may be found close to the Colombian boarder. Many sources will also call these snakes Grey Earth Snakes due to this lack of a population in Columbia.
The Colombian Earth Snake is one of the most commonly consumed snakes by larger predatory snakes such as Central American Coral Snakes (Micrurus sp.) and the Mussurana (Clelia clelia).