Forsten’s Cat Snake (Boiga forsteni) is a species of non-venomous colubrid snake found in Southeast Asia. It is a relatively small and slender snake that preys on small vertebrates, including lizards and frogs. Forsten’s Cat Snake has a slender body with a small, pointed head and large eyes. The scales are smooth and glossy, giving the snake a shiny appearance. The base coloration is usually brown or gray, with numerous black or dark brown bands that run along the length of the body. The belly is cream-colored, with irregular black markings.
Scalation
Forsten’s Cat Snake has a distinctive scalation pattern that distinguishes it from other snake species. It has 15 rows of dorsal scales at midbody, which are smooth and glossy. The ventral scales number between 190 and 213, and the subcaudal scales number between 61 and 78. The scales on the head are small and imbricate, and there are 9 supralabial scales and 10-11 sublabial scales. Scalation of Forsten’s Cat Snake (Boiga forsteni):
- Dorsal scales: Forsten’s Cat Snake has 15 rows of smooth and glossy dorsal scales at midbody.
- Ventral scales: The number of ventral scales on Forsten’s Cat Snake can vary between 190 and 213.
- Subcaudal scales: The number of subcaudal scales on Forsten’s Cat Snake can vary between 61 and 78.
- Head scales: The scales on the head of Forsten’s Cat Snake are small and imbricate, meaning they overlap each other like shingles on a roof.
- Supralabial scales: Forsten’s Cat Snake has 9 supralabial scales, which are the scales on the upper lip.
- Sublabial scales: Forsten’s Cat Snake has 10-11 sublabial scales, which are the scales on the lower lip.
Appearance
Forsten’s Cat Snake is a relatively small and slender snake that is well-adapted to hunting small prey. It has a distinctive head that is slightly wider than the neck, and large eyes that are adapted for hunting in low-light conditions. The base coloration is usually brown or gray, with numerous black or dark brown bands that run along the length of the body. The belly is cream-colored, with irregular black markings.
Natural History
Forsten’s Cat Snake is primarily arboreal, spending much of its time in trees and bushes. It is a nocturnal snake, meaning that it is active at night. It is a secretive snake that is rarely seen in the wild, and is often mistaken for a venomous snake due to its similar appearance to some of the more dangerous snake species. The diet of Forsten’s Cat Snake consists of small vertebrates, including lizards and frogs.
Habitat
Forsten’s Cat Snake is found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas. It is native to Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Behavior
Forsten’s Cat Snake is a relatively docile snake that is not known to be aggressive towards humans. However, like all snakes, it may bite if it feels threatened or cornered. When threatened, the snake will often inflate its body and hiss loudly to deter predators.
Reproduction
Little is known about the reproductive habits of Forsten’s Cat Snake. It is believed to be oviparous, meaning that it lays eggs rather than giving birth to live young. Clutches may contain up to 6 eggs, although the typical clutch size is likely smaller.
Location
Forsten’s Cat Snake is native to Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. It is found throughout much of its range, although it is often overlooked due to its secretive nature.
Venomous or Non-venomous
Forsten’s Cat Snake is a non-venomous snake and is not considered to be a danger to humans. While the snake is not venomous, it is still important to treat it with respect and caution, as all snakes are potentially capable of biting if they feel threatened.
Venom Strength
As mentioned earlier, Forsten’s Cat Snake is a non-venomous species, meaning it doesn’t produce any venom that is harmful to humans. However, if bitten, it can cause mild irritation and swelling, similar to that of a bee or wasp sting. It’s important to keep the bitten area clean and seek medical.
