Scientific Name: Boiga drapiezi
Family: Colubridae
Classification: Reptilia (Squamata)
Toxicity Level: Mild to Moderate (Rear-fanged Opisthoglyphous)
Origin: Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines)
Adult Size: 1.5 – 2.0 meters (5 – 6.5 feet) - Very slender build
Lifespan: 10 – 15 years
Diet: Carnivore (Small lizards, geckos, frogs, occasional small birds)
The White Spotted Cat Snake is a master of mimicry, resembling a thin, dry vine. It has an incredibly slender, laterally compressed (flattened) body that allows it to vanish against tree bark. The coloration is usually complex earth tones—browns, tans, and greys—punctuated by rows of small, distinct white or orange spots along the flanks. When threatened or resting, they often adopt a unique "kinked" posture, further breaking up their outline to look like a broken twig.
Notes Husbandry: This is an advanced colubrid species. They are strictly arboreal and require vertical enclosures with many thin branches. They can be finicky eaters, often preferring geckos or scented pinkies over plain rodents.
Temperament: Like most Boiga, they can be defensive and snappy, but their small head and slender build make them less intimidating than the Mangrove Snake.
Why Source This Species:
Camouflage Specialist: Their ability to "kink" their body and mimic vines is fascinating to observe, appealing to keepers who appreciate natural behavior over bright colors.
Space Efficient: Despite their length, their extremely thin build means they do not possess the heavy bioload of larger snakes, making them suitable for delicate bio-active setups.
Collector's Species: Less common than the Mangrove Snake, B. drapiezi is a gem for dedicated Boiga enthusiasts.
Malaysia
