Ложная водяная кобра: описание и распространение.

Species of snake

Hydrodynastes gigas is a New World species of large, rear fanged, Dipsadin snake endemic to South America. It is commonly and alternatively known as the false water cobra and the Brazilian smooth snake. The false water cobra is so named because when the snake is threatened it "hoods" as a true cobra (Naja species) does. Unlike a true cobra, though, it does not rear up, but remains in a horizontal position. No subspecies are currently recognized as being valid.

Hydrodynastes gigas is commonly referred to as the false water cobra, false cobra, South American water cobra, Additional South American common names include mboi peba, ñacaniná, surucucu do pantanal, víbora ladradora (barking snake), and yacanina.

H. gigas is a large dipsadidae snake that may exceed 3 m (9 to 10 ft) in total length (including tail) when adult. It is of medium body, so is neither particularly heavy nor slender bodied, Weights can average around and exceed in mature adults, with some specimens weighing Males are typically much smaller than females in this species. The common name false water cobra is an allusion to its ability to flatten its neck, similar to a cobra, as a defensive reaction to make it look larger and more intimidating. H. gigas can flatten not only its neck, but also lower down its body, which is not possible for a true cobra. Additionally, the pattern and coloration of this Hydrodynastes species superficially resemble those of true water cobras (Boulengerina). The false water cobra has large eyes with circular pupils, allowing good daytime vision. The tongue is black, and of the typical snake fashion. The background colour of a mature specimen is an olive green or brown, with dark spots and bands covering much of its body.

In South America, H. gigas is found from eastern Bolivia to southern Brazil, and in Paraguay and Argentina.

This species was once considered to constitute a single monotypic genus, Cyclagras.