Nature Field Guide
Salmon-bellied Racer
- Spanish name
- Corredora de vientre salmón
- Scientific name
- Mastigodryas melanolomus
What Do Pico & Tati Think?
Pico: “What helps this reptile fit into its habitat?”
Tati: “Let’s look at its shape, colors and surroundings while giving it plenty of space.”
Species overview
About the Salmon-bellied Racer
The salmon-bellied racer has a slender body, a long tail and a noticeable eye. Brown or olive upper surfaces contrast with lighter lower surfaces that can show salmon coloring. It is an active-looking snake rather than a heavy-bodied forest boa.
It is recorded in wooded and altered landscapes, including Monteverde and southern Costa Rica. A quick movement may be the only sign of a passing animal. Stop and give it room; do not follow it into vegetation. A short sighting can still teach us about how a snake moves through its habitat.
Identification
Key Features of the Salmon-bellied Racer
Slender long-tailed body
Brown-to-olive upper surfaces
Pale or salmon-colored underside
Habitat & range
Pacific-slope forest, edges and foothill landscapes, including northwestern Costa Rica, San Luis de Monteverde and the South Pacific.
Local observations
Native species recorded in Costa Rica. Sightings depend on suitable habitat and locality.
When to observe
Observe on a suitable guided outing. Activity varies with weather, season and locality; do not disturb a resting or hidden animal.
Conservation & care
Observe from a distance with an adult or qualified guide. Do not touch, catch, corner, feed or move any snake. Keep children and pets away. Colors, head shape and pupil shape must never be used to decide a snake is safe.
Threats & pressures
Protect connected habitat and natural shelters. Avoid collection, unnecessary clearing and deliberate killing. Leave wildlife in place and support responsible observation.
Observation activity
Use the illustration to compare the colors above and below the body. Never turn over a real snake.
Explore by location
Central Highlands · Central Pacific · Guanacaste · Puntarenas & the Gulf Islands · South Pacific · Alajuela · Guanacaste · Puntarenas · San José · Monteverde