Nature Field Guide
Decorated Forest Snake
- Spanish name
- Hojarasquera rayada
- Scientific name
- Rhadinaea decorata
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 Decorated Forest Snake
The decorated forest snake is small and slender. Pale and darker stripes run along its brown body, making its pattern different from the rings or speckles of other snakes. Its modest size makes it easy to overlook in fallen leaves.
This ground-dwelling animal is recorded in humid Costa Rican forest. Do not open its hiding places to obtain a sighting. Let the leaf layer remain a shelter for reptiles, insects and other small creatures. On a quiet walk, noticing the habitat can be as valuable as seeing the animal.
Identification
Key Features of the Decorated Forest Snake
Small slender brown body
Fine pale and dark lengthwise stripes
Forest-floor camouflage
Habitat & range
Humid Caribbean and Pacific forests and foothills, including northern lowlands and southwestern 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
Find parallel lines in the illustration. Draw how a striped animal could blend with twigs and leaf veins.
Explore by location
Caribbean · Central Pacific · Northern Plains · South Pacific · Alajuela · Cartago · Heredia · Limón · Puntarenas · San José