Mangrove snake

Physical features

• The mangrove snake’s length can vary from 5-7 feet.

• Mangrove snakes are an arboreal species, meaning they spend most of their time in the trees.

• Mangrove snakes exhibit a behavior known as bridging. This is when a snake is able to stretch its body across gaps between tree branches.

• Mangrove snakes have a very distinct coloration. They have a dark black background color with bright yellow rings and bright yellow lips and chin.

• They are rear-fanged snakes. This means that they inject their venom via the back teeth versus the front, which requires the snake to grab and hold on to struggling prey in order to envenomate it.

• They possess mild venom. This venom can cause mild inflammation in humans.

Diet: Carnivore

• Wild – Small mammals, amphibians and lizards.

• Zoo – Rats, mice, and chicks

Reproduction

• The females of this species are oviparous.

• This species lays clutches of 4-15 eggs, which take approximately 3-4 months to hatch.

• Hatchlings are colored and patterned exactly like adults.

Interpretive Information

• Their yellow and black color makes for great camouflage in mangrove forests. 

• Mangrove snakes tend to perch in trees at night in order to catch their prey.

• Mangrove snakes are strong swimmers. 

• Scientists are finding pharmacological properties in various snake venoms. Proteins found in snake venom are helping scientists discover ways to treat different illnesses such as cancer.

• They have obtained the common name mangrove snake because they are often found in mangroves. The are also known as gold-ringed cat snakes. They are listed on the IUCN Red List as "mangrove cat snake."

• Natural behaviors such as bridging can help scientists apply observations to current technological developments (robots, bridges, etc).

• They have elliptical pupils and therefore are sometimes known as cat or cat-eyed snakes.

Updated July 2024