Nature Field Guide
Linnaeus’s Sipo
- Spanish name
- Bejuquilla verde de bosque
- Scientific name
- Chironius exoletus
What Do Pico & Tati Think?
Pico: “What can we learn from this reptile’s shape?”
Tati: “Let’s notice its markings and habitat while leaving it plenty of space.”
Species overview
About the Linnaeus’s Sipo
Chironius exoletus is a slender snake with a long head, large eyes and a very long tapering tail. Green or olive tones and a paler underside help it fit into a leafy setting.
It uses forest vegetation as well as the ground. A green snake is not automatically a vine snake, and appearance alone is never a reason to approach one. Let a guide help compare the head and body proportions from a safe distance. Keep branches still and give the animal room to choose its own route.
Identification
Key Features of the Linnaeus’s Sipo
Long green-to-olive body
Large eyes and elongated head
Very long tapering tail
Habitat & range
Humid Caribbean and Pacific forests and adjoining foothills in Costa Rica.
Local observations
Native reptile recorded in Costa Rica. Presence depends on suitable habitat and locality.
When to observe
Observe on permitted paths with an adult or qualified guide. Activity varies by species, place and weather; never disturb a hiding or resting animal.
Conservation & care
Observe only from a distance with an adult or qualified guide. Never touch, catch, feed, corner 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 natural shelters and connected habitat. Avoid collection, unnecessary clearing and deliberate killing. Leave wildlife in its habitat and support responsible observation.
Observation activity
Compare its head outline with a green vine snake in illustrations. Do not use the comparison to judge handling safety.
Explore by location
Caribbean · Central Pacific · Northern Plains · South Pacific · Alajuela · Cartago · Heredia · Limón · Puntarenas · San José