Cubophis caymanus, the Grand Cayman racer, is a diurnal species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is native to Grand Cayman Island. Its length typically ranges from 500–860 mm (20–34 in). The body is grey in color, with black, red and pink bands.

Physical Features

This species of snake is long and slim. Its length typically ranges from 500–860 mm (20–34 in).[2][3] The length of its grey body is banded with black and red or pink colors.[2][3][4] The largest Grand Cayman racer to be recorded was a female specimen that measured 1,190 mm (47 in) long and weighed 1.25 kg (2.8 lb).[2]

Diet & Behavior

Cubophis caymanus' diet is known to consist of the greenhouse frog (Eleutherodactylus planirostris), the green iguana (Iguana iguana) and local species of anole (Anolis spp.).[5]

This species likely opportunistically consumes many small animals found on the island, as it is colloquially known to commonly prey on the Cuban tree frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis), young nestling birds, and small rats.[5][6]

As a non-venomous colubrid, C. caymanus subdues its prey via constriction.[4][5] This species is both terrestrial and arboreal in nature, allowing it to pursue prey that likewise encompasses both strata like the green iguana.[6]

Threat Display

When threatened, C. caymanus will expand its throat on either side. This works to flatten and enlarge its head to appear more threatening.[4][6] In addition, these snakes may exhibit musking behaviors in their attempts to deter predators.[4] The musk of these snakes is described as having a smell similar to that of garbage or a dumpster.[4]

Distribution & Habitat

Like its name suggests, the Grand Cayman racer can be found only on Grand Cayman Island, the largest of the three Cayman Islands.[2][3][4][7]

Threats

C. caymanus sitting among leaf litter.

Not much has been officially documented regarding the threats and conservation of this species on the island. However, because the island is populated by people this species will face human threats including the presence of pets and cars.[4][6]

This species is currently under government protection under Part II of the Cayman Island's National Conservation Law, which entitles the population to conservation management, public awareness programming and preventative reconciliation (Including possible fines or license revocation).[4][8]

References

  1. ^ Echternacht, A. (2016). "Cubophis caymanus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T190573A115326002. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d Brunt, M. A. (1994). The Cayman Islands: Natural History and Biogeography. Monographiae Biologicae Ser. J. E. Davies. Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands. ISBN 978-94-011-0904-8.
  3. ^ a b c Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia.; Philadelphia, Academy of Natural Sciences of (1893). Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. Vol. v.45 (1893). Philadelphia: Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h "Reptiles & Amphibians – Cayman Islands Department of Environment". doe.ky. Retrieved 2025-03-30.
  5. ^ a b c Kelehear, Crystal (2016). "Cubophis Caymanus (Cayman Racer). Diet". Society for the Study of Amphibians & Reptiles. Herpetological Review (47): 4 – via EBSCO.
  6. ^ a b c d "Cayman Wildlife Connection". caymanwildlife.org. Retrieved 2025-03-13.
  7. ^ Species Cubophis caymanus at The Reptile Database
  8. ^ "National Conservation Law – Cayman Islands Department of Environment". doe.ky. Retrieved 2025-03-30.
Allikas: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Cayman_racer
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