Nature Field Guide
Striped Glasstail
- Spanish name
- Hojarasquera de cola frágil
- Scientific name
- Urotheca guentheri
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 Striped Glasstail
The striped glasstail has a slender body with narrow lengthwise markings. Its long tail is delicate, making respectful distance especially important. A tail is never a handle, and no snake should be lifted or pulled.
This species is recorded in wet Costa Rican forests from northern slopes to Talamanca. Researchers have documented it near La Fortuna, where forest trails provide a window into a much larger hidden habitat. Record a sighting from where you stand and allow the snake to disappear naturally into cover.
Identification
Key Features of the Striped Glasstail
Slender body with lengthwise stripes
Long delicate tail
Ground-dwelling forest posture
Habitat & range
Northern and Caribbean-facing wet forests, the Tilarán range on both slopes and southern Pacific-facing Talamanca. Documented near La Fortuna.
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
On a map, connect the northern mountains with Talamanca. Discuss why connected forest habitats matter.
Explore by location
Caribbean · Central Highlands · Northern Plains · South Pacific · Alajuela · Cartago · Guanacaste · Heredia · Limón · Puntarenas · San José · La Fortuna