kids encyclopedia robot

Chilean green racer facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Philodryas chamissonis
Culebra de cola larga.jpg
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Genus:
Philodryas
Species:
chamissonis
Synonyms
  • Coronella chamissonis
    Wiegmann, 1834
  • Psammophis temminckii
    Schlegel, 1837
  • Tæniophis tantillus
    Girard, 1854
  • Dromicus chamissonis
    — Steindachner, 1867
  • Liophis luctuosa
    Philippi, 1899
  • Philodryas chamissonis
    — Sallaberry-Pincheira et al., 2011

Philodryas chamissonis, commonly known as the Chilean green racer and the Chilean long-tailed snake, is a species of moderately venomous opisthoglyphous (rear-fanged) snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to Chile.

Etymology

The specific name, chamissonis, is in honor of German botanist and poet Adelbert von Chamisso.

Geographic range

P. chamissonis has a large distribution in Chile, from Paposo to Valdivia.

Description

Usually, P. chamissonis is gray, with black and white longitudinal stripes on the body. It is a medium-sized snake, which usually reaches 1.4 m (4.6 ft) in total length (including tail).

The length of the tail is 25-28.5 % of the total length. There are 8 upper labials, the 4th and 5th entering the eye. The smooth dorsal scales are arranged in 19 rows at midbody. Ventrals 179-225; anal plate divided; subcaudals 100-122.

Habitat

P. chamissonis lives in a large variety of habitats, at altitudes from sea level to 2,300 m (7,500 ft).

Diet

Philodryas chamissonis eiting liolaemus tenuis ANIMATION
A Philodryas chamissonis snake eating a Liolaemus tenuis lizard.

The diet of P. chamissonis is mainly composed of little rodents, birds, amphibians, and other smaller reptiles. For example, it especially preys upon lizards of the genus Liolaemus.

Reproduction

P. chamissonis is an oviparous reptile.

Venom

Because P. chamissonis is rarely found, bites by it are uncommon. However, its bite is painful and causes extensive swelling.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Culebra de cola larga para niños

kids search engine
Chilean green racer Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.