About Dendrophidion percarinatum (Cope, 1893)
Dendrophidion percarinatum is a forest-dwelling snake that lives on the forest floor. Adults of this species range in total length from 40.1 to 85.2 cm (15.8 to 33.5 inches). This snake has between 147 and 170 ventral scales, 84 to 106 dorsal scales, and 133 to 164 subcaudal scales. A key identifying characteristic of Dendrophidion percarinatum is its divided anal plate. Its dorsal coloration is dark brown or gray, while its underbelly is a lighter cream color. Most of the snake's dorsal body is marked with black cross bars that contain light dots. Dendrophidion percarinatum is geographically distributed across Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, northern Colombia, and northwestern Venezuela; the population found in Venezuela is thought to be distinct from populations across the rest of the species' range. It typically occurs at elevations below 1000 meters, though individuals have been recorded as high as 1200 meters in southwestern Costa Rica. Dendrophidion percarinatum is oviparous, and its average clutch size ranges from 3 to 6 eggs.
