Many-spotted cat snake
In Thai: งูแม่ตะงาวรังนก, ngu mae ta ngaw rang nok
Binomial name: Boiga multomaculata, Heinrich Boie, 1827
Also called the many-spotted cat snake, large-spotted cat snake and marbled cat-eyed snake, Boiga multomaculata, is a species of rear-fanged colubrid snakes of the genus Boiga.
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, Cambodia, Laos, and Singapore.
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
- German:
- Gefleckte Katzennatter
- Vielflecken-Nachtbaumnatter
- English: Many-spotted cat snake
- Thai: งูแม่ตะงาวรังนก, ngu mae ta ngaw rang nok
Synonyms
- Boiga multomaculata, Van Stanley Bartholomew Wallach et al. (2014)
- Boiga multomaculata, Jelmer Groen (2008)
- Boiga multomaculata, Merel J. Cox et al. (1998)
- Boiga multomaculata, Ulrich Manthey & Wolfgang Grossmann (1997)
- Boiga multimaculata, Malcolm Arthur Smith (1943)
- Boiga multimaculata sikiangensis, R. Mell (1931)
- Boiga multimaculata hainanensis, R. Mell (1931)
- Boiga multimaculata, Malcolm Arthur Smith (1923)
- Dipsadomorphus multimaculatus, George Albert Boulenger (1896)
- Dipsas multimaculata, André Marie Constant Duméril & Gabriel Bibron (1854)
- Dipsas multomaculata, Caspar Georg Carl Reinwardt (1827)
- Dipsas multomaculata, Friedrich Boie (1827)
Conservation status

Near Threatened (IUCN3.1)
Photos
Range Map

- Bo Kluea District, Nan
- Cha-Am District, Phetchaburi
- Doi Suthep - Pui National Park
- Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai
- Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan
- Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kaeng Krachan District, Phetchaburi
- Kaeng Krachan National Park
- Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary
- Ko Samui District, Surat Thani
- Kui Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan
- Lam Nam Nan National Park
- Lan Sak District, Uthai Thani
- Mae Sariang District, Mae Hong Son
- Moei Wadi District, Roi Et
- Mueang Chonburi District, Chonburi
- Mueang Chumphon District, Chumphon
- Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi
- Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima District, Nakhon Ratchasima
- Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan District, Prachuap Khiri Khan
- Na Yai Am District, Chanthaburi
- Namtok Sam Lan National Park
- Non Sang District, Nong Bua Lamphu
- Pang Sida National Park
- Phimai District, Nakhon Ratchasima
- Phon Phisai District, Nong Khai
- Phu Kradueng National Park
- Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary
- Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi
- Samoeng District, Chiang Mai
- Sattahip District, Chonburi
- Tha Song Yang District, Tak
- Tha Yang District, Phetchaburi
- Thap Lan National Park
- Thong Pha Phum District, Kanchanaburi
- Wang Nam Khiao District, Nakhon Ratchasima
- Watthana Nakhon District, Sa Kaeo