Geographic range:
Nearctic, Neotropical: O. aeneus
is native to extreme south of United States (sc. Arizona), through
Mexico and Central America to southern Brazil and central Bolivia.
In Mexico it is found along both coasts.
Physical characteristics: Slender,
vine -like snake with elongated head and pointed snout. Females
are larger than males. Average snout - vent length is 64 to 87 cm.
Tail is very long - up to 70% of snout vent length. Eyes with round
pupils are moderately large. Scales on upper body are weakly keeled
or smooth.
This species is rear fanged and although slightly poisonous, not
dangerous to humans. Bites may cause irritation.
Color of upper surface is light tan, brown or gray, often with small
dark spots. Labial scales and throat are white or yellowish and
a black stripe across the eye is present. Underbody is light tan
or gray without any pattern.
Food habits: Mostly prays on small
reptiles, especially genus Norops,
but it occasionally consumes insects, frogs, small mammals and birds.
Reproduction: Females lay clutches
of 3 to 5 eggs during summer rainy season.
Behavior: O.
aeneus is diurnal and primarily arboreal. Occasionally can
also be found on ground. When threatened forms a coil and strikes
weakly with mouth opened displaying black lined oral cavity.
Habitat: This species inhabits
low and moderate elevations of thorn forest, second growth and forest
edges. Also tropical deciduous forest and oak savannah.
Biomes: tropical and subtropical
forest
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