Nature Field Guide
Spotted Coffee Snake
- Spanish name
- Culebra cafetalera manchada
- Scientific name
- Ninia maculata
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 Spotted Coffee Snake
The spotted coffee snake has a small head, textured keeled scales and dark crossmarks on a brownish body. Dark markings also occur on its pale underside, although those should never be checked by turning over a live snake.
It is a different species from the redback coffee snake, Ninia sebae. Related snakes can share a common-name theme while looking and living differently. Observe only what is naturally visible and leave shelter in place. Small snakes are wildlife too, not animals to pick up for a closer lesson.
Identification
Key Features of the Spotted Coffee Snake
Small dark-headed snake
Keeled scales and dark crossmarks
Spotted underside studied from references only
Habitat & range
Humid forest and foothill habitats on both slopes, including Monteverde, central highland margins 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
Compare its illustration with the redback coffee snake. List two differences without deciding either is safe to touch.
Explore by location
Caribbean · Central Highlands · Central Pacific · Northern Plains · South Pacific · Alajuela · Cartago · Heredia · Limón · Puntarenas · San José · Monteverde