The Tawny Cat Snake, also known as Boiga ochracea, is a non-venomous snake species found in Asia. These snakes are known for their beautiful coloration and distinctive eye shape. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of the Tawny Cat Snake, including its description, scalation, appearance, natural history, habitat, behavior, reproduction, location, and venom potency.
Description
The Tawny Cat Snake is a medium-sized snake species that typically measures around 90-120 cm in length. They have a slender body and a long, narrow head with large eyes. The body is cylindrical in shape, and the scales are smooth. The coloration of the snake varies from tawny brown to yellowish-brown with dark brown spots along the length of the body. The ventral side is lighter in color, usually white or cream.
Scalation
The Tawny Cat Snake has 17 dorsal scale rows and 183-201 ventral scales. The anal plate is divided, and there are 75-91 subcaudal scales. The scales are smooth and glossy in appearance. Details on Tawny Cat Snake’s scalation:
- Dorsal scales: 17 rows
- Ventral scales: 183-201
- Anal plate: divided
- Subcaudal scales: 75-91
- Scales texture: smooth and glossy in appearance.
These details on scalation are important for identifying this species and distinguishing it from other snake species.
Appearance
The Tawny Cat Snake has a unique and striking appearance, with tawny brown to yellowish-brown coloration and dark brown spots along the length of the body. The head is long and narrow, with large eyes that are positioned towards the front of the head. The scales are smooth and glossy, and the ventral side is lighter in color than the dorsal side.
Natural History
The Tawny Cat Snake is a nocturnal species, meaning it is primarily active at night. They are arboreal and are commonly found in trees and shrubs. These snakes are carnivorous and feed on a variety of prey, including birds, rodents, and other small vertebrates. They are not commonly encountered, making them a lesser-known species.
Habitat
The Tawny Cat Snake is found in a variety of habitats, including tropical and subtropical forests, grasslands, and rocky terrain. They are primarily found in Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Indonesia.
Behavior
The behavior of Tawny Cat Snakes is not well-known due to their elusive nature. They are non-aggressive and will try to flee when threatened. If cornered, they may hiss and strike, but they are non-venomous and pose no significant threat to humans.
Reproduction
Like many aspects of the Tawny Cat Snake’s natural history, their reproductive behavior is not well-known. However, they are believed to be oviparous, meaning they lay eggs rather than giving birth to live young. The clutch size and incubation period are unknown.
Location
The Tawny Cat Snake is found in Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Indonesia.
Venomous or Non-venomous
The Tawny Cat Snake is a non-venomous species and poses no significant threat to humans. They are harmless and usually try to flee when encountered. There is no known record of any human fatalities or serious injuries resulting from Tawny Cat Snake bites.
Venom Potency
As mentioned earlier, the Tawny Cat Snake is a non-venomous species and does not produce any venom. Therefore, there is no venom potency associated with this snake.
The Tawny Cat Snake, also known as Boiga ochracea, is a beautiful and non-venomous snake species found in Southeast Asia. Despite their striking appearance, they are not commonly encountered, making them a lesser-known species. Understanding their natural history and behavior is crucial for conserving these fascinating snakes and their habitats.
