Nature Field Guide
Cope’s Parrot Snake
- Spanish name
- Lora falsa
- Scientific name
- Leptophis depressirostris
What Do Pico & Tati Think?
Pico: “What clues help us recognize this reptile?”
Tati: “Let’s notice its shape, markings and habitat from a respectful distance.”
Species overview
About the Cope’s Parrot Snake
Cope’s parrot snake has a slender body, long tail and relatively large eyes. Green tones and a dark line through the eye help create its leaf-and-branch camouflage. Related green snakes can look similar in a brief sighting.
This species occurs in humid lowlands, including Caribbean and southwestern Costa Rican forests. A green color does not establish that a snake is safe. Keep your distance, tell your adult and let the snake move away without interference.
Identification
Key Features of the Cope’s Parrot Snake
Slender green body
Large eyes with a dark eye stripe
Long fine tail
Habitat & range
Humid Caribbean and northern lowlands and southwestern Pacific rainforest.
Local observations
Native reptile recorded in Costa Rica. Presence varies with suitable habitat and locality.
When to observe
Visibility varies with weather, habitat and the animal’s activity. Observe on an appropriate guided outing; never disturb a hiding animal to obtain a sighting.
Conservation & care
Observe only from a distance with an adult or qualified guide. Do not touch, catch, corner or attempt to move any snake. Step back and tell your adult; keep children and pets away. Do not use colors, head shape or pupil shape to decide a snake is safe.
Threats & pressures
Protect habitat connections and natural shelters. Avoid road mortality, collection and deliberate killing. Leave reptiles in their habitat rather than keeping or relocating them.
Observation activity
Find the snake’s outline in the illustration, then name two features that help it blend with foliage.
Explore by location
Caribbean · Central Pacific · Northern Plains · South Pacific · Alajuela · Heredia · Limón · Puntarenas