Serpentarium
Luis Lopez
and the cost of entry per person is $ 10.
Below are some of the snakes of Costa Rica
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English Common Name
Boa constrictor
Annulated boa
Rainbow boa
Giant parrotsnake
Neotropical coachwhip
Brown vinesnake
Short vinesnake
Green vinesnake
Northern birdsnake
Neotropical Ratsnake
Oriole snake
Lyresnake
Common road guarder
King snake
Tropical milksnake
Salmon bellied racer
Costa Rican coralsnake
Central American jumping pitviper
Picados jumping pitviper
Side-striped palm pitviper
Eyelash palm pitviper
Golden eyelash palm pitviper
Fer de lance
Godman s montane pitviper
Neotropical rattleasnake
Central American bushmaster
Rainforest hog nosed pitviper
Western slender hog nosed pitviper
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Scientific Name
Boa constrictor
corralus annulatus
epicrates cenchria
lepthophis ahaetulla
masticophis mentovarius
oxybelis aeneus
oxybelis brevirostris
oxybelis fulgidus
pseustes poecilonotus
senticolis triaspis
spilotes pullatus
trimorphodon biscutatus
conophis lineatus
lampropeltis triangulum
lampropeltis triangulum
mastigodryas melanolomus
micrurus mosquitensis
atropoides mexicanus
atropoides picadoi
bothriechis lateralis
bothriechis schegelii
bothriechis schegelii
Bothrops asper
cerrophidium godmani
crotalus simus
lachesis stenophrys
porthidium nasutum
porthidium ophryomegas
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Spanish Common Name
boa constrictor
boa arborícola anulada
boa arcoiris
lora falsa gigante
sabanera de bosque seco
bejuquilla café
bejuquilla de hosico corto
bejuquilla verde
pajarera
ratonera centroamericana
mica
toboba gata
guarda camino comun
coral falsa
serpiente de leche negra
corredora panza salmon
coral costarricense
mano de piedra centroamericana
mano de piedra costarricense
lora venenosa
bocaraca comun
oropel (bocaraca)
terciopelo
toboba de altura
cascabel neotropical
matabuey
tamaga comun
toboba chinga
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Snakes in Costa Rica
There are 137 Species of Snakes in Costa Rica. There are 22 Venomous Species in Costa Rica, mostly from the Viper family with a few Coral Snakes and the Sea Snake from the Elapid family. 92% of the Snakes in Costa Rica exist between sea level and 4,900 feet (1,500 meters) in altitude, primarily in the Tropical and Subtropical Forests. Only 8% of Snakes in Costa Rica exist above 4,900 feet (about 1,500 meters) in altitude. The altitude of Waterfall Gardens ranges from 4,200 to 5,225 feet (1,300 to 1,600 meters).
There are 15 Species of Venomous Snakes on the Pacific side of the country and only 9 Species of Venomous Snakes on the Caribbean side. For 25 Species of Snakes in Costa Rica, this is the southern limit of their existence. For 30 Species of Snakes in Costa Rica, this is the northern limit of their existence. With 55 Species having their northern and southern limits in Costa Rica, it gives testament to Costa Rica being the “Landbridge of the Americas” where Species from North and South America meet. There are 13 Species found only in Costa Rica (and its close neighbors).
Although the Neotropical Rattlesnake and the Bushmaster have more powerful Venom, the most dangerous Snake in Costa Rica is the Terciopelo or Fer de Lance Pit Viper. They are more dangerous because they live in areas closer to human habitation and reproduce in enormous quantities (Litters with up to 90 offspring!) Terciopelos are located in all areas of Costa Rica except the very high mountains.
Sea Snakes live in the waters off the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica (not along the beaches). Although feared for their extremely potent neurotoxic venom, the Sea Snake has very limited ability to bite a human because of its small mouth and rear fangs. Even if one did manage to bite you, there is an 80% chance that this would be a “Dry” bite with no venom introduced.
Facts about snakes
- Snakes evolved approximately 120 million years ago from their closest descendant, the Monitor lizard.
- There are approximately 2,980 Species of Snakes in the World today.
- Only 10% are Venomous, with very few, about 2%, representing a danger to humans.
- Snakes live on all the world’s continents except Antarctica. In the Arctic Circle they hibernate for up to 8 months.
- Snakes depend heavily on “chemoreception” for tracking prey and recognizing their environment. A snake’s flickering tongue picks up scent molecules from the surrounding environment and passes them to the Jacobson’s Organ for analysis.
- Snakes, like all Reptiles, are Cold Blooded (Ectothermic) and cannot generate internal heat. Therefore, Snakes cannot sustain high aerobic activity, (chasing prey, escaping predators) for longer than a few minutes.
- All Snakes molt or shed their skin on average three to four times a year. This allows them to grow and replace old scales.
- Vertical Eye Pupils are typical of nocturnal species not necessarily venomous species. In normal light conditions the pupils are contracted into slits.
- Climbing Snakes (Arboreal) are normally long and thin. Terrestrial Snakes (Land Dwelling) and Burrowing Snakes are short and stout with short tails.
- Snakes must ingest between 6 and 30 meals per year, approximately one meal every two weeks. However, some Snakes can shut off their digestive system and not eat for several months after a very large meal.
- Snakes in captivity live between 8 and 25 years. Large species like Anacondas and Pythons live up to 40 years.
Facts about venomous snakebites
- Venom is actually a highly concentrated digestive substance with 10 to 20 enzymes which when combined with other toxins creates a destructive effect on most tissues and nerves. The Venom is produced by a Gland in the head of the Snake.
- Venom helps the Snake by immobilizing larger or potentially dangerous prey, allowing a wider selection of food choices. Venom also softens the tissues of larger prey as the first phase in the digestive process; this allows for easier swallowing.
- Each year between 500 and 800 people are bitten by Venomous Snakes in Costa Rica. Only 5 to 10 result in death.
- 68% of Venomous Snakebites are on the feet or legs and it is mostly field workers that are bitten. These workers often do not wear long pants or boots.
- 95% of Venomous Bites are caused by the Viper family of Snakes.
- The Pit Viper, known as the Terciopelo or Fer de Lance (Bothrops asper), accounts for almost all the deaths from Snakebite in Costa Rica.
- Death occurs in only 1% of “Untreated“ Viper Snakebites.
- 30% of Viper Bites are “Dry” Bites where no Venom is injected at all. The Snake either decides not to inject the Venom or might have recently used its Venom on another victim.
- On average, a Viper needs from 2 to 3 weeks to fully reproduce its Venom after using it.
- There are 25,000 Deaths worldwide from Venomous Snakebites. Half of the Deaths occur in the poor rural areas of Burma and India. There are 10 Deaths a year in Australia, 15 in Europe, and 15 in the United States. A large percentage of these include Snake Handlers and untrained capture attempts.
- Among the Indian tribes still living deep in the Amazon, 5% of all Deaths are caused by Snakebites and 80% of the population will be bitten by a Venomous Snake at least once in their lifetime.
- In the United States, the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is the most Venomous Snake and is responsible for the most serious Snake Bites.
- The proper procedure for all Snakebites is to immobilize the bitten limb and seek immediate transportation to a hospital. Upon arrival, a proper Antivenom treatment can be administered and monitored.
Antivenom
There are two types of Antivenom used in Costa Rica. One is for all Bites from the Viper family and one is for all Bites from the Elapid family, this includes Coral Snakes and Sea Snakes.
The Antivenom is made from injecting small quantities of Venom into horses and allowing their blood to build antibodies to combat the Venom. Their blood is then taken and separated into a serum containing the antibodies. A small amount of this serum is tested on the person before administering a full dose to make sure there is no allergic reaction. If no reaction, the proper dosage is then assessed depending on the severity of the bite.
CAUTION: Administering Antivenom to a person allergic to the horse serum can cause a severe anaphylactic shock that is more dangerous than the Venom itself!
How to Avoid Snakebites in Costa Rica---Safety Tips for Avoiding Poisonous Snakes in Costa Rica
Do not travel on unlit paths at night without a flashlight. Most venomous snakes are active at night and at dusk. Always watch where you step.
Exercise caution when exploring - avoid passing through heavy brush or hollow logs without first investigating thoroughly. Do not stick your hands in rock crevices or pick flowers or other plants without first investigating the area around them for a sleeping snake.
Be sure to wear proper foot gear - hiking or heavy walking shoes - do not go barefooted or wear sandals to go exploring in high grass or brush.
Do not place your sleeping bag(s) next to brush, tall grass, large boulders or trees where snakes are known to live and nest. Place your camp site and tents in a cleared area and use mosquito netting tucked well under the bag to provide a barrier.
Do not try to pick up snakes or handle them unless you have formal training and are able to handle them efficiently. Most experts advise against trying to handle even a freshly killed snakes as their nervous system may be still active and they can still deliver a bite!
Be sure to wear proper foot gear - hiking or heavy walking shoes - do not go barefooted or wear sandals to go exploring in high grass or brush.
Do not place your sleeping bag(s) next to brush, tall grass, large boulders or trees where snakes are known to live and nest. Place your camp site and tents in a cleared area and use mosquito netting tucked well under the bag to provide a barrier.
Do not try to pick up snakes or handle them unless you have formal training and are able to handle them efficiently. Most experts advise against trying to handle even a freshly killed snakes as their nervous system may be still active and they can still deliver a bite!
Snakes Families
CONSTRICTOR FAMILY (BOIDAE)
Appeared 65 Million Years Ago
These nonvenomous snakes are the oldest and largest members of the snake family still existing on the planet. They were the dominant family of snakes from 65-36 million years ago before the more evolved Colubrid family appeared and began to compete with them. Because they existed before many of the landmasses separated they have a worldwide distribution. Boa constrictors exist predominantly in the tropical Americas and pythons, their close relatives, evolved in the regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia. Their Primitive features include a lack of venom, a rigid jaw, heavy skull, pelvic bone structures, and the remains of vestigial limbs in the form of spurs or claws inherited from their lizard ancestors.
These nonvenomous snakes are the oldest and largest members of the snake family still existing on the planet. They were the dominant family of snakes from 65-36 million years ago before the more evolved Colubrid family appeared and began to compete with them. Because they existed before many of the landmasses separated they have a worldwide distribution. Boa constrictors exist predominantly in the tropical Americas and pythons, their close relatives, evolved in the regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia. Their Primitive features include a lack of venom, a rigid jaw, heavy skull, pelvic bone structures, and the remains of vestigial limbs in the form of spurs or claws inherited from their lizard ancestors.
Evolutionary Adaptations
Some species of constrictors show an evolved adaptation in the form of heat sensitive scales around their mouths. Although similar in function to heat pits on pit vipers, this physiological characteristic evolved separately and is not nearly as effective as the pit viper’s heat detection capability.
Hunting
Their hunting technique is characterized by a “lie and wait” ambush style as is true with most snakes that consume small mammals that are faster with more long range endurance than them. Their color pattern is ideal camouflage especially during nocturnal hunting. To catch prey a constrictor retracts its head and strikes the prey hard wrapping its body around for constriction. They do not crush their prey but rather suffocate it by gradually tightening their grip each time their prey exhales. Death occurs from lack of oxygen or because the heart cannot pump blood through the vascular system. Some arboreal constrictors have special teeth that allow them to strike and hold moving prey such as birds or bats. Without fail the constrictors always consume their prey head first. These snakes prefer a diet of mammals and birds because constriction is more effective on warm blooded animals that need to breathe more frequently. One of the primary differences between Boas and Pythons is their manner of reproduction. Boas bear live young (viviparous) while Pythons lay large quantities of eggs (oviparous) and protect them during incubation. The python is one of the few snakes that demonstrates parental care.
Their hunting technique is characterized by a “lie and wait” ambush style as is true with most snakes that consume small mammals that are faster with more long range endurance than them. Their color pattern is ideal camouflage especially during nocturnal hunting. To catch prey a constrictor retracts its head and strikes the prey hard wrapping its body around for constriction. They do not crush their prey but rather suffocate it by gradually tightening their grip each time their prey exhales. Death occurs from lack of oxygen or because the heart cannot pump blood through the vascular system. Some arboreal constrictors have special teeth that allow them to strike and hold moving prey such as birds or bats. Without fail the constrictors always consume their prey head first. These snakes prefer a diet of mammals and birds because constriction is more effective on warm blooded animals that need to breathe more frequently. One of the primary differences between Boas and Pythons is their manner of reproduction. Boas bear live young (viviparous) while Pythons lay large quantities of eggs (oviparous) and protect them during incubation. The python is one of the few snakes that demonstrates parental care.
COLUBRID FAMILY (COLUBRIDAE)
Appeared 36 Million Years Ago
This diverse family appeared about 36 million years ago and comprises two thirds of all species of known snakes. It is currently the dominant family of snakes on all the world’s continents except Australia. In Costa Rica this family represents 104 of the 137 species. They are found in trees, on the ground, underground and in the water. The most commonly recognized species are the garter, grass, rat, and whip snakes.
This diverse family appeared about 36 million years ago and comprises two thirds of all species of known snakes. It is currently the dominant family of snakes on all the world’s continents except Australia. In Costa Rica this family represents 104 of the 137 species. They are found in trees, on the ground, underground and in the water. The most commonly recognized species are the garter, grass, rat, and whip snakes.
Evolutionary Adaptations
Rear Fangs and the First Venom
Although two thirds of these snakes are completely nonvenomous the other one third evolved the first rudimentary venom produced by an organ in the head known as Duvernoy’s Gland. As a component of this adaptation came a primitive venom delivery system in the form of solid rear fangs and later, grooved rear fangs. Although effective on their prey the Colubrid venom is weak and their rear fangs very inefficient from a defensive standpoint. Because of this the Colubrids represent little danger to humans. However, their venom can cause localized symptoms in humans including pain, swelling and continuous bleeding. Almost all of the Colubrids harbor bacteria in their mouths that can cause infections if a bite wound is not properly cleaned. BEWARE-Venomous Colubrids are often listed as nonvenomous in many of the snake guides- the best advice is not to attempt to handle or capture any snake in the wild.
Although two thirds of these snakes are completely nonvenomous the other one third evolved the first rudimentary venom produced by an organ in the head known as Duvernoy’s Gland. As a component of this adaptation came a primitive venom delivery system in the form of solid rear fangs and later, grooved rear fangs. Although effective on their prey the Colubrid venom is weak and their rear fangs very inefficient from a defensive standpoint. Because of this the Colubrids represent little danger to humans. However, their venom can cause localized symptoms in humans including pain, swelling and continuous bleeding. Almost all of the Colubrids harbor bacteria in their mouths that can cause infections if a bite wound is not properly cleaned. BEWARE-Venomous Colubrids are often listed as nonvenomous in many of the snake guides- the best advice is not to attempt to handle or capture any snake in the wild.
Hunting
Many colubrid species use their amazing speed and agility to actively search out and attack their prey. The venomous species hold on to their prey and allow the venom to take effect. The nonvenomous species may use constriction like the boas, or immobilize their prey by thrashing, or by the sheer force of their strike. Camouflage and stealth also play an important part in capturing prey.
Many colubrid species use their amazing speed and agility to actively search out and attack their prey. The venomous species hold on to their prey and allow the venom to take effect. The nonvenomous species may use constriction like the boas, or immobilize their prey by thrashing, or by the sheer force of their strike. Camouflage and stealth also play an important part in capturing prey.
Antipredatory Traits and Behaviors
The Colubrids have evolved a few sophisticated antipredatory characteristics that aid in their survival. Some species voluntarily break their tails, which keep moving, to distract an oncoming predator while escaping. A few others feign death by rolling over and exposing their stomachs. One of the most effective antipredatory trait is mimicking the color patterns and markings of the venomous Elapid and Viper species like this Milksnake from the Colubrid Family.
ELAPID FAMILY (ELAPIDAE)
The Colubrids have evolved a few sophisticated antipredatory characteristics that aid in their survival. Some species voluntarily break their tails, which keep moving, to distract an oncoming predator while escaping. A few others feign death by rolling over and exposing their stomachs. One of the most effective antipredatory trait is mimicking the color patterns and markings of the venomous Elapid and Viper species like this Milksnake from the Colubrid Family.
ELAPID FAMILY (ELAPIDAE)
Appeared 22 Million Years Ago
All members of the Elapid Family are highly venomous. Although the family accounts for only 10% of the world’s snake species their members are the most deadly and include the Cobras, Mambas, Coralsnakes and Seasnakes. They are the dominant family of snakes in Australia and therefore are thought to have evolved about 22 million years ago just prior to the continent of Australia breaking off from the great landmass of Pangaea.
All members of the Elapid Family are highly venomous. Although the family accounts for only 10% of the world’s snake species their members are the most deadly and include the Cobras, Mambas, Coralsnakes and Seasnakes. They are the dominant family of snakes in Australia and therefore are thought to have evolved about 22 million years ago just prior to the continent of Australia breaking off from the great landmass of Pangaea.
Evolutionary Adaptations
Front Fangs
These were the first species to evolve front fangs and powerful neurotoxic venom. In the more primitive species of elapids venom is conducted through grooves in the front fangs and in the more evolved species the fangs have an internal canal to conduct venom. The advantage of front fangs is the ability to inject venom with a quick strike and then release the prey to allow the venom to work without risking injury to themselves while the prey struggles.
These were the first species to evolve front fangs and powerful neurotoxic venom. In the more primitive species of elapids venom is conducted through grooves in the front fangs and in the more evolved species the fangs have an internal canal to conduct venom. The advantage of front fangs is the ability to inject venom with a quick strike and then release the prey to allow the venom to work without risking injury to themselves while the prey struggles.
Neurotoxic Venom
The venom travels from the bite wound to the bloodstream and within two to six hours begins blocking neurological transmissions leading to progressive paralysis of certain muscle tissues. Symptoms include loss of muscular function, heavy salivary secretion, headache and in severe cases cardiorespiratory collapse. The victim needs to be treated with a specific antivenom designed for a Coralsnake or Seasnake bite. Some Elapids also have hematoxins (like the Vipers) in their venom that attack and kill red blood cells and muscle tissue and begin to externally digest the prey. In Costa Rica there are only six species of Elapids with five species represented from the Coralsnake genus and one from the subfamily of Seasnakes. Although highly venomous these snakes represent 5% or less of the total number of annual snakebites in Costa Rica. Approximately 50% of Coralsnake bites are “Dry” bites where no venom is injected. The Coralsnakes and Seasnakes have bold color markings to advertise to predators, especially birds, their lethal nature. For this reason there are eleven Colubrid species which mimic the color pattern and share the protection of the Coralsnake markings.
The venom travels from the bite wound to the bloodstream and within two to six hours begins blocking neurological transmissions leading to progressive paralysis of certain muscle tissues. Symptoms include loss of muscular function, heavy salivary secretion, headache and in severe cases cardiorespiratory collapse. The victim needs to be treated with a specific antivenom designed for a Coralsnake or Seasnake bite. Some Elapids also have hematoxins (like the Vipers) in their venom that attack and kill red blood cells and muscle tissue and begin to externally digest the prey. In Costa Rica there are only six species of Elapids with five species represented from the Coralsnake genus and one from the subfamily of Seasnakes. Although highly venomous these snakes represent 5% or less of the total number of annual snakebites in Costa Rica. Approximately 50% of Coralsnake bites are “Dry” bites where no venom is injected. The Coralsnakes and Seasnakes have bold color markings to advertise to predators, especially birds, their lethal nature. For this reason there are eleven Colubrid species which mimic the color pattern and share the protection of the Coralsnake markings.
VIPER FAMILY (VIPERIDAE)
Appeared 20 Million Years Ago
The members of the Viper family are the most advanced of all snakes from an evolutionary standpoint. They can survive in extreme climates ranging from the Arctic Circle to the hottest deserts and at the highest altitudes. They are not found in Australia and so are thought to have evolved after the continent separated from the major landmass Pangaea around 20 million years ago. Most vipers have short stocky bodies and cannot chase down prey. They employ an ambush strategy of lying motionless in the night awaiting small mammals to cross their path. This behavior consumes less energy so they can feed less often and reduces the chance of being exposed to a predator while traveling.
The members of the Viper family are the most advanced of all snakes from an evolutionary standpoint. They can survive in extreme climates ranging from the Arctic Circle to the hottest deserts and at the highest altitudes. They are not found in Australia and so are thought to have evolved after the continent separated from the major landmass Pangaea around 20 million years ago. Most vipers have short stocky bodies and cannot chase down prey. They employ an ambush strategy of lying motionless in the night awaiting small mammals to cross their path. This behavior consumes less energy so they can feed less often and reduces the chance of being exposed to a predator while traveling.
Evolutionary Adaptations
Hinged Front Fangs
The viper’s fangs are improved over that of the Elapids because they are longer and therefore can inject venom deeper into the tissue of prey. They are able to manage these long fangs because they are hinged and can be folded up into the roof of the mouth when not in use but deployed forward quickly for a strike. They are hollow and connected directly to the venom glands so they can inject large quantities of venom rapidly.
The viper’s fangs are improved over that of the Elapids because they are longer and therefore can inject venom deeper into the tissue of prey. They are able to manage these long fangs because they are hinged and can be folded up into the roof of the mouth when not in use but deployed forward quickly for a strike. They are hollow and connected directly to the venom glands so they can inject large quantities of venom rapidly.
Improved Venom
Viper venom is a hematoxin comprised of over 20 digestive enzymes combined with various other toxic components that when combined yield a destructive effect on red blood cells and muscle tissues. The venom is the first phase in the digestive process and softens or breaks down the proteins and lipids of the prey to ease in the swallowing process. This destructive venom aids the snake’s digestive process especially in cold climates. The more venomous snakes such as the Bushmaster, Terciopelo and Neotropical Rattlesnake also have neurotoxins in their venom similar to the Elapids.
Viper venom is a hematoxin comprised of over 20 digestive enzymes combined with various other toxic components that when combined yield a destructive effect on red blood cells and muscle tissues. The venom is the first phase in the digestive process and softens or breaks down the proteins and lipids of the prey to ease in the swallowing process. This destructive venom aids the snake’s digestive process especially in cold climates. The more venomous snakes such as the Bushmaster, Terciopelo and Neotropical Rattlesnake also have neurotoxins in their venom similar to the Elapids.
Heat Detection Ability of the Pitviper
The infrared imaging capability of the Pitviper is unique in the animal kingdom and makes it king of the night. These snakes have heat pits located on each side of their face that contain ultrasensitive thermoreceptor cells able to detect changes in temperature of less than .002 degrees Farenheit. They use the two heat pits like binocular vision to triangulate range and distance to their prey in complete darkness. Studies show they rely almost exclusively on this sense and not on eyesight to hunt for prey.
The infrared imaging capability of the Pitviper is unique in the animal kingdom and makes it king of the night. These snakes have heat pits located on each side of their face that contain ultrasensitive thermoreceptor cells able to detect changes in temperature of less than .002 degrees Farenheit. They use the two heat pits like binocular vision to triangulate range and distance to their prey in complete darkness. Studies show they rely almost exclusively on this sense and not on eyesight to hunt for prey.
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