Thai National Parks

Species of Thailand

Many-spotted cat snake

Boiga multomaculata

(Heinrich Boie, 1827)

In Thai: งูแม่ตะงาวรังนก, ngu mae ta ngaw rang nok

Boiga multomaculata, also called the many-spotted cat snake, large-spotted cat snake and marbled cat-eyed snake, is a species of rear-fanged colubrid snakes.

Description

Dorsally it is gray-brown, with two alternating series of round dark brown, reddish-brown or chestnut-colored spots and two other series of smaller spots on the lower sides. On the head it has two blackish bands which diverge posteriorly. There is a blackish streak from the eye to the corner of the mouth. Ventrally it is whitish, marbled or spotted with brown, and there is a series of brown spots along each side. Adults may attain 77 cm (30 in.) in total length.

Geographic range and Distribution

The snake is found in a wide variety of locales, including areas of Western Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, India (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Miao - Changlang district), Southern China (incl. Hong Kong and Hainan), Indonesia (Java, Sulawesi, Sumatra, Borneo), Bangladesh, Laos, Singapore, Bali and North Central Florida, USA.

Behavior

A very secretive snake, it hides in hollows and cracks of tree trunks during the day. Unlike most boigas, this species is a cathemeral snake, with which it is active at both day and night. It's quite nervous and will scuttle away at the slight disturbance. They rarely bite, however. It prefers rocky crevices and thin branches that are in plain sight.

Feeding Habits

Mostly observed hunting just before daybreak, it primarily feeds on lizards such as geckos and small skinks but they will also eat lizard eggs. This snake also frequents branches that are overhanging a water source, thus it may also devour fish in the process.

Venom

Being a rear-fanged snake, it is mildly venomous. The effects are the same as most boiga species but because of its size, it never poses any threat. There are no known or recorded fatalities as well.

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Scientific classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Suborder
Serpentes
Family
Colubridae
Genus
Boiga
Species
Boiga multomaculata

Common names

  • Chinese: 繁花林蛇
  • German:
    • Gefleckte Katzennatter
    • Vielflecken-Nachtbaumnatter
  • English:
    • Many-spotted cat snake
    • Ocellated Asian cat snake
  • Thai: งูแม่ตะงาวรังนก, ngu mae ta ngaw rang nok

Synonyms

  • Boiga multomaculata septentrionalis, Gunter Köhler et al. (2023)
  • Boiga multomaculata ochracea, Gunter Köhler et al. (2023)
  • Boiga multomaculata multomaculata, Gunter Köhler et al. (2023)
  • Boiga multomaculata, WANG et al. (2022)
  • Boiga ochracea, Van Stanley Bartholomew Wallach et al. (2014)
  • Boiga walli, Van Stanley Bartholomew Wallach et al. (2014)
  • Boiga multomaculata, Van Stanley Bartholomew Wallach et al. (2014)
  • Boiga multomaculata, Merel J. Cox et al. (2012)
  • Boiga ochracea walli, Stephen Mahony et al. (2009)
  • Boiga ochraceus, Jelmer Groen (2008)

Conservation status

Least Concern (IUCN3.1)

Least Concern (IUCN3.1)

Photos

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Boiga multomaculata
Boiga multomaculata (juvenile)
Boiga multomaculata
Many-spotted cat snake
Boiga multomaculata
Boiga multomaculata

Range Map

Distribution map of Many-spotted cat snake, Boiga multomaculata in Thailand
  • Ban Bueng District, Chonburi
  • Bang Lamung District, Chonburi
  • Bo Kluea District, Nan
  • Bo Phloi District, Kanchanaburi
  • Cha-Am District, Phetchaburi
  • Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai
  • Chok Chai District, Nakhon Ratchasima
  • Dan Chang District, Suphan Buri
  • Doi Suthep - Pui National Park
  • Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai
  • Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan
  • Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Kaeng Khoi District, Saraburi
  • Kaeng Krachan District, Phetchaburi
  • Kaeng Krachan National Park
  • Khao Kho District, Phetchabun
  • Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Khao Yai National Park
  • Khao Yoi District, Phetchaburi
  • Ko Samui District, Surat Thani
  • Kui Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan
  • Kusuman District, Sakon Nakhon
  • Lam Nam Nan National Park
  • Lam Thamenchai District, Nakhon Ratchasima
  • Lan Sak District, Uthai Thani
  • Laplae District, Uttaradit
  • Mae Sariang District, Mae Hong Son
  • Mancha Khiri District, Khon Kaen
  • Moei Wadi District, Roi Et
  • Muak Lek District, Saraburi
  • Mueang Chonburi District, Chonburi
  • Mueang Chumphon District, Chumphon
  • Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi
  • Mueang Mukdahan District, Mukdahan
  • Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima District, Nakhon Ratchasima
  • Mueang Phrae District, Phrae
  • Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan District, Prachuap Khiri Khan
  • Mueang Rayong District, Rayong
  • Na Yai Am District, Chanthaburi
  • Nam Nao District, Phetchabun
  • Namtok Sam Lan National Park
  • Nikhom Phatthana District, Rayong
  • Noen Maprang District, Phitsanulok
  • Non Sang District, Nong Bua Lamphu
  • Nong Hin District, Loei
  • Nong Wua So District, Udon Thani
  • Nong Yai District, Chonburi
  • Op Khan National Park
  • Pa Sang District, Lamphun
  • Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima
  • Pak Tho District, Ratchaburi
  • Pang Sida National Park
  • Phimai District, Nakhon Ratchasima
  • Phon Phisai District, Nong Khai
  • Phu Kradueng National Park
  • Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Phutthaisong District, Buriram
  • Pluak Daeng District, Rayong
  • Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi
  • Samoeng District, Chiang Mai
  • Sanam Chai Khet District, Chachoengsao
  • Sattahip District, Chonburi
  • Sawang Wirawong District, Ubon Ratchathani
  • Si Wilai District, Bueng Kan
  • Soi Dao District, Chanthaburi
  • Song Khwae District, Nan
  • Sung Noen District, Nakhon Ratchasima
  • Tha Song Yang District, Tak
  • Tha Takiap District, Chachoengsao
  • Tha Yang District, Phetchaburi
  • Thap Lan National Park
  • Thong Pha Phum District, Kanchanaburi
  • Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Wang Nam Khiao District, Nakhon Ratchasima
  • Wang Nam Yen District, Sa Kaeo
  • Watthana Nakhon District, Sa Kaeo
Range map of Boiga multomaculata in Thailand