Rutherford's Vine Snake From Trinidad Specializes In Eating Lizards

Photo of Rutherford's Vine Snake (Oxybelis rutherfordi) predating on a Beachrunner lizard (Cnemidophorus lemniscatus). Photo by Marie-Elise Maingot. Rutherford's Vine Snake (Oxybelis rutherfordi) or as locals refer to them "Horsewhip", was a recently (re)described species of snake found in Trinidad and Tobago and northern South America. Populations found here were previously thought to be the same as the widespread Brown Vine Snake (Oxybelis aeneus), but research showed they are two distinct species. In Trinidad and Tobago, Rutherford's Vine Snake is widespread, found in forests, coastlines, and even in residential gardens. Data on the diet of this species, and snakes in general are poorly known. Filling this gap is important as it allows us to learn more about how these animals use their environment and interact with it. A newly published Natural History Note was published in the journal "Phyllomedusa" and it documents five lizard species that Rutherford's Vine Snake feeds on. Observations were documented by keen citizen scientists from across Trinidad that luckily were able to photograph the snake predating on a lizard. These observations can be very rare to observe and thus highlighting them adds to biological data. To read more about the five lizard species that the Rutherford's Vine Snake feeds on, see this link to a pdf describing the events that took place here in Trinidad. If you are a passionate photographer, or generally enjoy nature, do not hesitate to share your photos of reptiles and amphibians with us! You can reach out to us on Instagram on the page "Herp.Research.TT", or email the Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalists' Club asking for the Herpetology Group Leader.