Black-headed snake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Black-headed snake |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Tantilla
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| Species: |
melanocephala
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| Synonyms | |
The Tantilla melanocephala, also known as the black-headed snake, is a small snake found in Central and South America. It belongs to a group of snakes called colubrids. This snake is endemic to these regions, meaning it naturally lives only there.
Where Does This Snake Live?
The black-headed snake can be found in many places! In Central America, it lives from Guatemala all the way south to Panama.
In South America, its home stretches from Trinidad and Tobago down to northern Argentina. That's a very wide range!
What Does the Black-Headed Snake Look Like?
This snake is quite small. It can grow up to about 50 cm (20 in) long. That's about the length of a typical ruler! Its tail can be around 10 cm (3.9 in) long.
The snake's back, or dorsum, is usually pale brown or red. Some black-headed snakes might even have three or five thin brown stripes along their bodies. The top of its head and neck are dark, either black or dark brown, which gives it its common name.
If you look at its belly, or ventral side, it's a yellowish-white color. The scales on its back are smooth. They are arranged in 15 rows around the middle of its body.
See Also
Want to learn more in Spanish? Check out: Tantilla melanocephala para niños
