False Water Cobra

## Description

The False water cobra is a rear-fanged venomous colubrid snake native to South America. The background color of a mature snake is an olive green or brown, with dark spots and bands covering much of its body. The background coloring and banding generally become darker towards the end tail. This coloring gives the False water cobra effective camouflage in its natural rainforest environment. The ventral scales are yellow or brown, spotted with dark flecks that make three dotted lines that appear to merge towards the tail. Hatchling and juveniles are much darker in coloration and do not have the typical dark eyes of the adults. They more resemble a garter or water snake than their mature counterparts. Males in this species are typically much smaller than females.

## Distribution

False water cobras are found from eastern Bolivia to southern Brazil, and in Paraguay and Argentina. They generally live in wet, humid areas, and marshlands, typically within the tropical rainforests that are common within their range. However, these snakes may also occur in dryer areas, although this is not their preferred habitat.

## Behavior

False water cobras are solitary diurnal creatures. They are very active and inquisitive snakes, which will spend much of the day climbing, burrowing, and even swimming. Their temperaments can vary considerably between specimens; some are very docile and reluctant to bite, whilst others are very defensive and even aggressive or intimidating. False water cobras that are bred in captivity can become quite tame and trusting and many exhibit a high level of intelligence.

## Diet

False water cobras are carnivores (piscivores) and mainly prey on fish and amphibians. However, they will also take small mammals, rodents, birds, and even other reptiles.

## Reproduction

False water cobras may breed throughout the year. Females produce 2 clutches per year with each containing up to 40 eggs. The incubation period usually lasts around 60 days. Snakelets hatch fully-developed (precocial) and measure about 38 centimeters (15 inches). They are able to take care of themselves and don't require parental care.

## Population

### Threats

There are no known threats facing the False water cobra at present.

### Number

Presently, the False water cobra is not included in the IUCN Red List and its conservation status has not been evaluated.

## Fun Facts

The False water cobra is often referred to more simply as either a "falsy" or "falsie" or a "FWC", which is an abbreviation of the common name "false water cobra".

In South America, this snake is sometimes referred to as boipevassu. Additional South American common names include mboi-peba, ñacaniná, surucucu-do-pantanal, vibora ladradora (barking snake), and yacanina.

The False water cobra is so named because of its ability to flatten its neck, similar to a cobra as a defensive reaction to make it look larger and more intimidating. Unlike the true cobra, though, the False water cobra stays in a horizontal position when it hoods, rather than rearing into a vertical position. It can flatten not only its neck but also lower down the body, which is not possible for a true cobra.

The preference of wet land as a habitat for these snakes contributes to their common name of false "water" cobras.

The False water cobra has large eyes with circular pupils, which allows good daytime vision.

It is suggested female False water cobras are brown ventrally, whilst males are yellow. Females are also suggested to have lighter bands and markings on their bodies. However, this is not an effective way of judging the sex of the False water cobra, as coloring usually differs slightly between all individuals.