Dipsas


Dipsas is a genus of nonvenomous New World snakes in the subfamily Dipsadinae of the family Colubridae. The genus Sibynomorphus has been moved here. Species of the genus Dipsas are known as snail-eaters.

Taxonomy

The genus Dipsas includes over 50 distinct species.
The following species are recognized as being valid.

Nota bene: A binomial authority in parentheses indicates that the species was originally described in a genus other than Dipsas.

Description

Dipsas species are slender, small to medium-sized snakes, often no longer than, and rarely longer than. Coloration and color pattern may vary, but often consist of black and brown, frequently with alternating rings separated by white.

Distribution and habitat

Species in the genus Dipsas are found from southern Mexico through Central America and South America, as far as Argentina and Paraguay.

Behavior and diet

Species in the genus Dipsas are mostly arboreal snakes that mainly feed on land snails and slugs.