Chilean Green Racer

Philodryas chamissonis, commonly known as the Chilean green racer and the Chilean long-tailed snake, is a species of moderately venomous opisthoglyphous (rear-fanged) snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to Chile.

Etymology: The specific name, chamissonis, is in honor of German botanist and poet Adelbert von Chamisso.

Geographic range: P. chamissonis has a large distribution in Chile, from Paposo to Valdivia.

 Usually, P. chamissonis is gray, with black and white longitudinal stripes on the body. It is a medium-sized snake, which usually reaches in total length (including tail).

The length of the tail is 25–28.5 % of the total length. There are 8 upper labials, the 4th and 5th entering the eye. The smooth dorsal scales are arranged in 19 rows at midbody. Ventrals 179–225; anal plate divided; subcaudals 100–122.

Habitat: P. chamissonis lives in a large variety of habitats, at altitudes from sea level to .

Diet: The diet of P. chamissonis is mainly composed of little rodents, birds, amphibians, and other smaller reptiles. For example, it especially preys upon lizards of the genus Liolaemus.

Reproduction: P. chamissonis is an oviparous reptile.

Venom: Because P. chamissonis is rarely found, bites by it are uncommon. However, its bite is painful and causes extensive swelling.