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Clelia scytalina, commonly known as the Mexican snake eater[3] or zopilota de altura (highland mussarana),[4] is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to the New World.
C. scytalina is found in Southern Mexico, Central America, and Colombia.[3]
The head of C. scytalina is somewhat distinct from the neck. The eye is moderate in size, with a vertically elliptical pupil. The body is cylindrical, and the tail is moderately long.[4]
The smooth dorsal scales are arranged in 17 rows at midbody.[4]
The coloration of juveniles is completely different from that of adults. Juveniles have a black head, a yellow or white nuchal crossband (collar), and a red body. Juveniles are often mistaken for coral snakes and killed.[4] Adults are uniform bluish black dorsally, and cream-colored ventrally.[5]
C. scytalina is a terrestrial animal which inhabits old-growth and second-growth forests and their borders. Occasionally it is found in open areas in submontane and montane life zones.[4]
Like other species of mussurana, C. scytalina is known to feed on other snakes.[4]
Clelia scytalina is oviparous (egg-laying).[4]
Clelia scytalina, commonly known as the Mexican snake eater or zopilota de altura (highland mussarana), is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to the New World.
