Dumeril's Diadem Snake

The fossorial habits certainly favor its adaptation, giving it less visibility in Anthropized areas. This species has a slender body, with a relatively reduced head, short tail, and size that generally does not exceed 50 cm in total length, although specimens of up to 68 cm have been reported. It feeds on small reptiles such as amphisbaenians, other snakes and lizards. Usually makes a defensive demonstration in the presence of a human, behaving in a shy and never aggressive way. The color pattern and design allow an easy identification between the different snake species found in Uruguay. Dorsal coloration is reddish or orange with black longitudinal lines, and the vertebral region line may be absent or reduced. The head is mostly black and has a white collar, the central area is black.

This species has a wide distribution that includes Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, northern Argentina, extending to the border areas of Bolivia and Paraguay, and in Uruguay, it is found throughout its territory. It is often found in open areas, adapting well to the urban and suburban areas.