Nature Field Guide
Puffing Snake
- Spanish name
- Pajarera / Culebra pajarera
- Scientific name
- Phrynonax poecilonotus
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 Puffing Snake
The puffing snake has a substantial elongated body and a noticeable head. Brown, olive, yellowish and darker markings vary between individuals and with age, so a single illustration shows only one possible appearance.
Its common name refers to a defensive response, not something an observer should try to trigger. Keep your distance and let the animal stay calm. Older sources may use Pseustes poecilonotus. Connecting old and new names helps us follow research while protecting the same living species.
Identification
Key Features of the Puffing Snake
Large elongated forest snake
Variable colors and darker markings
Distinct head and long climbing body
Habitat & range
Forests and wooded edges on both Costa Rican slopes, including lowlands and foothills; documented in the Monteverde area.
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
Create two differently colored paper snakes with the same outline to show variation within a species.
Explore by location
Caribbean · Central Highlands · Central Pacific · Guanacaste · Northern Plains · Puntarenas & the Gulf Islands · South Pacific · Alajuela · Cartago · Guanacaste · Heredia · Limón · Puntarenas · San José · Monteverde