| Clelia scytalina | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Genus: | Clelia |
| Species: | C. scytalina |
| Binomial name | |
| Clelia scytalina | |
| Synonyms [3] | |
| |
Clelia scytalina, commonly known as the Mexican snake eater [3] or zopilota de altura (highland mussarana), [4] is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to the New World.
Clelia scytalina is found in Southern Mexico, Central America, and Colombia. [3]
The head of C. scytalina is somewhat distinct from the neck. The eye is moderate in size, with a vertically elliptical pupil. The body is cylindrical, and the tail is moderately long. [4]
The smooth dorsal scales are arranged in 17 rows at midbody. [4]
The coloration of juveniles is completely different from that of adults. Juveniles have a black head, a yellow or white nuchal crossband (collar), and a red body. Juveniles are often mistaken for coral snakes and killed. [4] Adults are uniform bluish black dorsally, and cream-colored ventrally. [5]
Clelia scytalina is a terrestrial animal which inhabits old-growth and second-growth forests and their borders. Occasionally it is found in open areas in submontane and montane life zones. [4]
Like other species of mussurana, C. scytalina is known to feed on other snakes. [4]
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