Alsophis portoricensis is a rear-fanged colubrid
and the largest of the two racers endemic to the island Puerto Rico. Anoles are
a staple of their diet, as was the case for the male A. krugi in this photo. However, a close look at the picture shows
that anoles are not a completely easy meal, and it is relatively common to find
anoles biting the snake. In some instances with sufficient power to cause
damage to the snakes, including loosing head scales. Also note, how the snake
is trying to inject the venom (which is of the hemorrhagic type) by positioning
the lizard at the rear portion of her jaw where the fangs are located.
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| Alsophis portoricensis feeding on A. krugi |
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