Boiga – Cat snakes

They get their nickname “cat snakes” because of their large, round pupils that look a lot like a cat’s eyes, giving them a mysterious and striking appearance. Unlike many other snakes, cat snakes are mostly active at night, which is why their eyes are adapted to see well in the dark. These snakes have slender bodies and can grow to various lengths, some reaching up to six feet long, which makes them quite impressive to spot in the wild. A unique characteristic of Boiga snakes is their mild venom, which they use to catch prey like birds, lizards, and small mammals. Although their venom isn’t usually dangerous to humans, it helps them subdue their food quickly.

What makes cat snakes particularly interesting is their climbing ability. They are excellent climbers and spend a lot of time in trees and bushes, hunting for prey among the branches. Their long, flexible bodies and sharp claws help them move easily through dense foliage. This arboreal lifestyle means they often hunt at night, using their excellent vision to spot prey in the dark. Some species of Boiga have beautiful patterns and colors that help them blend into their leafy surroundings, acting as camouflage to avoid predators. Their diet is quite varied, and they are known to eat eggs as well, showing how adaptable they are in finding food.

Unlike the powerful venom of some snakes that can kill quickly, cat snakes have a venom that mainly helps to immobilize prey rather than kill instantly. This venom is delivered through rear fangs, which are different from the front fangs seen in more dangerous snakes. Because their fangs are located in the back of their mouths, they need to chew on their prey a bit to deliver the venom effectively.