False cobra, South American water cobra, Brazilian smooth snake
Hydrodynastes gigas is a New World species of large, rear-fanged, dipsadidae snake endemic to South America. It is commonly and alternatively known as the false water cobra and the Brazilian smooth snake. The false water cobra is so named because when the snake is threatened it "hoods" as a true cobra (Naja species) does. Unlike a true cobra, though, it does not rear up, but remains in a horizontal position. No subspecies are currently recognized as being valid.
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DiurnalDiurnal animals are active during the daytime, with a period of sleeping or other inactivity at night. The timing of activity by an animal depends ...
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CarnivoreA carnivore meaning 'meat eater' is an organism that derives its energy and nutrient requirements from a diet consisting mainly or exclusively of a...
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PiscivoresA piscivore is a carnivorous animal that eats primarily fish. Piscivorous is equivalent to the Greek-derived word ichthyophagous. Fish were the die...
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SemiaquaticSemiaquatic animals are those that are primarily or partly terrestrial but that spend a large amount of time swimming or otherwise occupied in wate...
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PredatorPredators are animals that kill and eat other organisms, their prey. Predators may actively search for or pursue prey or wait for it, often conceal...
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PrecocialPrecocial species are those in which the young are relatively mature and mobile from the moment of birth or hatching. Precocial species are normall...
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BurrowingA burrow is a hole or tunnel excavated into the ground by an animal to create a space suitable for habitation, temporary refuge, or as a byproduct ...
Oviparous animals are female animals that lay their eggs, with little or no other embryonic development within the mother. This is the reproductive...
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VenomousVenom is a type of poison, especially one secreted by an animal. It is delivered in a bite, sting, or similar action. Venom has evolved in terrestr...
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DangerousDangerous animals demonstrate aggression and a propensity to attack or harass people or other animals without provocation.
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SolitaryNo
Not a migrantAnimals that do not make seasonal movements and stay in their native home ranges all year round are called not migrants or residents.
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starts withThe 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.
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.
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.
The posterior maxillary teeth of H. gigas are enlarged, and the Duvernoy's gland produces a secretion with high proteolytic activity. Besides the ability of this large and powerful snake to inflict mechanical trauma, numerous cases of local envenomation and perhaps hypersensitivity have occurred, most of which have gone unreported. Prolonged, chewing bites may result in painful (sometimes extensive and persistent) swelling, as well as bruising. Nevertheless, the species is regularly kept as a pet, becoming increasingly popular in recent years.
Manning et al. (1999) described a case in which an 18-year-old male pet-store employee was bitten on the wrist by a specimen that hung on for 1.5 minutes. Some mild swelling resulted, but after nine hours, the victim claimed to have experienced three bouts of muscle paralysis, during which he fell and was unable to move or speak, but a medical examination did not produce any unusual results. The symptoms described possibly were the result of anxiety. The liquid venom yield ranges from 0-50 microliters and the solid venom yield is 1.3 mg.
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.
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.
There are no known threats facing the False water cobra at present.
Presently, the False water cobra is not included in the IUCN Red List and its conservation status has not been evaluated.