Nature Field Guide
Mussurana
- Spanish name
- Zopilota / Musurana
- Scientific name
- Clelia clelia
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 Mussurana
Adult mussuranas are large snakes with dark gray to blue-black upperparts and a paler underside. Juveniles can have a red body, dark head and pale collar, a dramatic age-related difference.
Mussuranas eat a variety of prey, including other snakes. Their role in the food web is a reason to protect them, not a reason to handle them or introduce them elsewhere. Leave every snake undisturbed and ask a qualified guide to help with identification.
Identification
Key Features of the Mussurana
Adult dark gray-to-black body
Paler underside
Juveniles may be red with a dark head and pale collar
Habitat & range
Lowland and lower foothill woodland on both slopes, including humid and secondary forest.
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
Compare a verified adult and juvenile photograph. Explain how age can change an identification clue.
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