Hidden Snail-eating Snake

About the Hidden Snail-eating Snake

Dipsas aparatiritos, also known as the hidden snail-eating snake, is a non-venomous snake found in Panama. Formally described in 2023, its name is derived from a Greek word meaning 'unnoticed', referring to the species occurring at a well-studied herpetological study site for over 40 years before being discovered.

It is found on both the Atlantic and Pacific slopes of the Cordillera Central in western Panama, with an additional population in Chagres National Park. It inhabits inhabit mid-elevation, premontane cloud-forest and has been recorded at elevations of 597–1002 m. It feeds on snails and oligochaetes. The authors of the study describing the species recommended that the species be considered near-threatened due to its rather limited range that suffers from high levels of deforestation.

Dipsas aparatiritos was formally described in 2023 based on an adult female specimen collected near El Copé de La Pintada in Coclé Province, Panama. The specific epithet is derived from the Greek word aparatíritos (απαρατήρητος), meaning 'unnoticed'. It refers to the snake's presence at a well-studied herpetological study site for over 40 years without being identified as a distinct... Wikipedia →