Boiga facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Boiga |
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| Boiga dendrophila, a mangrove snake | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Subfamily: | Colubrinae |
| Genus: | Boiga Fitzinger, 1826 |
Boiga is a group of snakes often called cat-eyed snakes or simply cat snakes. These snakes are mildly venomous and have fangs located at the back of their mouths. They are part of a larger family of snakes called colubrids.
Contents
About Cat Snakes
Cat snakes get their name from their unique eyes. They have vertical pupils, which look a lot like a cat's eye. This special eye shape helps them see well, especially at night, because many Boiga species are active after the sun goes down.
Where Do Cat Snakes Live?
Most Boiga snakes live in Asia, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. You can find them in countries like India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Some species, like the Brown Tree Snake, have even spread to other places like Guam, where they have caused problems for local wildlife.
What Do Cat Snakes Eat?
These snakes are mostly carnivores, meaning they eat other animals. Their diet can include a variety of small creatures. They often hunt lizards, frogs, birds, and even small mammals. Some species are known to eat bird eggs as well. They use their mild venom to help catch and overpower their prey.
Are Cat Snakes Dangerous to Humans?
While Boiga snakes are venomous, their venom is usually not very dangerous to humans. They are rear-fanged, which means their fangs are located at the back of their mouth. This makes it harder for them to inject venom into a large animal like a human. A bite from a Boiga snake might cause some swelling or pain, but it's rarely serious for people. However, it's always best to be careful and avoid handling any wild snake.
Different Kinds of Cat Snakes
There are many different species within the Boiga group. Each one has its own unique look and habits. Here are a few examples:
- Boiga dendrophila - This is known as the Gold-ringed Cat Snake or Mangrove Snake. It's famous for its striking black and yellow bands. These snakes are often found near water, like in mangrove forests.
- Boiga cyanea - The Green Cat Snake is, as its name suggests, bright green. It blends in perfectly with the leaves in its tree habitat.
- Boiga cynodon - This snake is called the Dog-toothed Cat Snake because of its long, sharp teeth, which help it hold onto its prey.
- Boiga irregularis - The Brown Tree Snake is well-known for causing big problems on the island of Guam. It was accidentally brought there and has eaten many of the island's native birds, some of which are now extinct.
There are many more species, each with its own interesting features and adaptations to its environment. Scientists continue to study these fascinating snakes to learn more about them.
Images for kids
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A mangrove snake at the United States National Zoological Park.
See also
In Spanish: Boiga para niños
