Chilean Slender Snake
Galvarinus chilensis
A master of the Chilean matorral, this 'short-tailed' serpent is a shy but essential predator often found navigating the rocky gardens of South America.
Quick Identification
Size
Typically 40-70 cm (16-28 inches) in length; characterized by a slender body and a notably short tail.
Colors
Variable ground color of grey, olive-brown, or yellowish-tan; usually features two dark longitudinal stripes or rows of spots and a distinct dark line through the eye.
Key Features
- Dark horizontal line running through the eye to the temple
- Short tail compared to other slender snakes
- Two rows of dark spots or stripes along the back
When You’ll See Them
Geographic range
Where Does the Chilean Slender Snake Live?
Native to the temperate and Mediterranean regions of southern South America, the Chilean Slender Snake is most frequently found throughout central and southern Chile. Its core range stretches from the semi-arid Coquimbo Region southward to the lush Valdivian temperate forests of the Los Lagos Region. It is also found in the adjacent Andean foothills of western Argentina, making it one of the most widely distributed snakes in the southern cone of the continent.
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Behavior
The Chilean Slender Snake is a secretive and primarily diurnal predator. While it belongs to the venomous Dipsadinae subfamily, it is 'opisthoglyphous' (rear-fanged), meaning its venom delivery system is located at the back of its mouth. In the wild, it is relatively shy and will typically seek cover in leaf litter or under rocks at the first sign of a human presence. If cornered, it may flatten its body to appear larger, but it rarely strikes unless directly handled.
As an active forager, this species spends much of its time navigating the ground level of its habitat, searching for small vertebrates. Unlike some more sedentary snakes, the Chilean Slender Snake is quite mobile during the warmer months, moving through gardens and woodpiles where its prey is most abundant. It plays a vital role in local ecosystems by controlling populations of small lizards and rodents.
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Camera Tips
Capturing the Chilean Slender Snake on camera requires a focus on ground-level micro-habitats. Because these snakes are small and low-profile, place your camera just 5-10 centimeters (2-4 inches) off the ground. Aiming the lens along 'natural highways' like the edge of a stone wall, a fallen log, or the perimeter of a garden fence will significantly increase your chances of a sighting as they hunt for lizards.
Since they are ectothermic, these snakes are most active on sunny days when they emerge to bask and hunt. Position your camera near flat rocks or open patches of mulch that receive morning sun. To get the best detail, use a camera with a high-resolution sensor and a fast trigger speed, as their movements can be surprisingly quick when they are startled or in pursuit of prey.
Standard bait doesn't work well for snakes, but you can use 'habitat lures.' Placing a flat piece of plywood or a large piece of bark in a sunny spot—known as a cover board—will often attract snakes seeking warmth or shelter. Set your camera to time-lapse mode or high-sensitivity motion detection focused on the edge of this cover. In suburban settings, woodpiles and compost heaps are also high-traffic areas for this species.
Frequently Asked Questions
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