Characteristics: Medium to large species of serpent measuring some 3m in length. It has a slightly triangular head adorned with a dark stripe on either side and beginning next to the nostrils, passing through the lower half of the eyes and up to the first dorsal stripe. Its color varies from brown, dark red and gray, and like all constrictor snakes it has a bulky, heavy body. It has aglyphous teeth (no fangs that inoculate venom).

Distribution: It is widely distributed and can be found from Mexico to Northern Argentina. In Brazil, the species is found in the Southeastern and Southern regions.

Habitat: Open and dry environments, such as scrublands, salt marshes, secondary forests, savannas, and fields, but they are also found in forests.

Habits: These are animals of terrestrial and arboreal habits, preferably crepuscular and nocturnal, but can also be found active during the day. As a defense tactic, they can open their mouths and make a strong, aggressive hiss or strike.

Diet: They feed mostly on rodents and marsupials, but may also occasionally capture lizards, birds and small primates killed by constriction (choking).

Breeding: Viviparous, having about 8 to 49 offspring per brood and may store the male's sperm to fertilize later.

UFRA: Species spotted in Wetlands with Riparian Forests and Organic Sugarcane Fields.