Snakes of Costa Rica.
There are approximately 135 species of snakes in Costa Rica of which 19 are poisonous. This means that 87% of the country's snakes are not considered to be dangerous. I would say you would really be fortunate if you get to see a snake!
The function of the snake´s venom is to help them to immobilize, and digest the prey. It breaks down the proteins and lipids of the prey to ease in the swallowing process. Humans do not qualify as prey. Thus, fundamentally, snakes have no interest in striking at humans if they do not feel that they are in danger.
Snakes depend heavily on themoreception for tracking prey a A snake’s tongue picks up scent molecules from the its surrounding and passes them to the Jacobson’s Organ.This organ works by sensing chemicals such as pheromones A snake places its tongue on its Jacobson's after having its tongue in the air to allow it to sense their prey.
Types Of Snakes.
Elapidae snakes.
This family contains some of the world´s most venomous species of snakes in the world, including the Mamba and the Cobra in Africa. Their hollow fangs are used to inject mostly neurotoxic venom, which directly attacks the nervous system of the prey. In Costa Rica we find the colorful coral snakes, with bright bands of red, black, and yellow or white that serve as a warning. There are 5 different coral snake species in Costa Rica: Allen´s Coral Snake, the Central American Coral Snake, the Micrurus Clark, the Micrurus Mosquitensis and the Bicolor Coral Snake. The sixth species of Elapids is represented by pelamis platurus in the subfamily of Seasnakes. The Sea snakes are extremely venomous, but human encounters are very rare.
Viperidae Snakes.
Whereas most other snakes have large scales on the top of their heads, vipers have many rows of very small scales,and their pupils are vertical.The venom of pitvipers is mostly hemotoxic, which attacks the muscular and respiratory system of the prey.with over 20 digestive enzymes and other toxic components that destroy red blood cells and muscle tissues.
The Jumping viper, the Eyelash viper, and the Bushmaster, are examples of vipeirids. Two of the most abundant species in Costa Rica are the eyelash palm-pit viper (Bothriechis shclegelii), and the Fer de lance (Bothrops asper). Other fairly common species include the Neotropical rattlesnake which produces a venom considerably more toxic than its North American cousin. The most feared snake in Central America is the fer-de-lance, for its aggressiveness and lethal venom. Terciopelo (as Costaricans call it) is and abundant throughout the country, specially in fields of different crops. As juveniles, fer-de-lance are arboreal and feed on lizards and frogs, even insects which they attract with a yellow-tipped tail. As adults, they come down to earth, they are more active at night.
Colubrida Snakes.
Snakes belonging to the colubrids are mostly non-venomous or relatively less venomous than elapids and viperids.The Mussurana (clelia clelia), the vine snake and the milk snake,are all colubrids. Even being non-venomous, their bites may require immediate medical intervention.Although effective on their prey the Colubrid venom is weak for humans, but the bacteria in their mouths that can cause infection.sOne of the most effective antipredatory trait of Colubrids is mimicking the color patterns and markings of the venomous snakes species like this Milksnake .
Boidae Snakes.
This non venomous family is known for its powerful constrictors which can swallow large animals. These snakes suffocate their prey, as their primary weapon.The largest types of snakes in the world are in the boidae family. This includes the old world Pythons and the Anaconda 29 ft.(restricted to South America), cousin of the largest snake in Costa Rica, the Boa Constrictor reaching a length of 18 ft. Country people have the believe that Boa Constrictor can give birth to different species of venomous snakes due to the variation in color of new borns.
In Costa Rica there are 4 species of boas: the boa constrictor, the annulated boa, the rainbow boa, the dwarf boa, the garden tree boa and the burrowing Boa. Though not poisonous, they are capable of inflicting serious damage with their large teeth and will not hesitate to bite. This serpent can be found on both the Pacific and Atlantic slopes in the appropriate elevations from sea level to 3000 ft. Boas are mainly terrestrial but they are very good climbers.They commonly eat iguanas, lizards, birds, bats, and small mammals such as opossums, agoutis, or rabbits. They’ve been known to take coatis, ocelots, porcupines, monkeys, and young deer.In captivity this snake has lived as long as 25 to 35 years. Mothers give birth to 10 to 64 viviparous (or live) young. Boas are more active at dusk and night.
In Costa Rica there are 4 species of boas: the boa constrictor, the annulated boa, the rainbow boa, the dwarf boa, the garden tree boa and the burrowing Boa. Though not poisonous, they are capable of inflicting serious damage with their large teeth and will not hesitate to bite. This serpent can be found on both the Pacific and Atlantic slopes in the appropriate elevations from sea level to 3000 ft. Boas are mainly terrestrial but they are very good climbers.They commonly eat iguanas, lizards, birds, bats, and small mammals such as opossums, agoutis, or rabbits. They’ve been known to take coatis, ocelots, porcupines, monkeys, and young deer.In captivity this snake has lived as long as 25 to 35 years. Mothers give birth to 10 to 64 viviparous (or live) young. Boas are more active at dusk and night.
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