Oxyrhopus petolarius, commonly known as the forest flame snake, is a species of mildly venomous snake in the subfamily Dipsadinae of the family Colubridae. The species is native to Central and South America. There are three recognized subspecies.
Taxonomy and nomenclature
According to American herpetologist Jay M. Savage (2011) the correct scientific name should be Oxyrhopus petolarius.
Geographic range
Oxyrhopus petolarius is found in central and northern South America, including Trinidad and Tobago.
Habitat
The preferred natural habitats of Oxyrhopus petolarius are forest and savanna, at altitudes from sea level to 2,000 m (6,600 ft).
Description
Adults of Oxyrhopus petolarius may attain a total length of 91 cm (36 in), which includes a tail 22 cm (8.7 in) long.
Coloration is variable. It usually consists of some combination of red and black rings or crossbands. In some individuals the light-colored crossbands are white instead of red on the anterior part of the body.
The dorsal scales are smooth, with apical pits, and are arranged in 19 rows at midbody.
Venom
Oxyrhopus petolarius is rear-fanged, and its venom is extremely toxic to anole lizards.
