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Snakes of Aruba Episode CCXLVII - 247
Each week, Island Insight shares with you a story of can be dangerous and cause serious large scales on the top of its head
Aruba through the eyes of Etnia Nativa, where we injuries. and by its dark brown bands alternat-
welcome our guests to an island experience far be- ing with light brown bands. The belly is
yond their usual expectations. We link you with the They are snakes that sit and wait for white or cream in color and is smooth,
mystical aspects of the island, its native culture, and their prey. You can usually find them without any markings. They usually re-
its traditional heritage. In this episode, we share about waiting for prey under bushes, fruit main hidden during the day among
some species of snakes that evolved into separate or trees, and shady places, waiting for plant leaves or under rocks. They are
Aruban subspecies, island animals that are not found lizards, mice, rats, birds, bat frogs, and quite active at night when they are
anywhere else in the world. However, they are all even juvenile rabbits. They once lived looking for their prey. They eat small
related to their continental ancestors. Thousands of all over the island, but are now restrict- toads, frogs, insects, and lizards. They
years of isolation on our island have allowed them to ed to the mountainous areas surround- often climb trees and cacti.
develop and adapt their unique survival character- ing Arikok National Park. If you see one,
istics in behavior, size, and appearance. These are : don’t disturb it. Do not try to catch it; Santanero is shy and not aggressive at
“rattlesnake,” “santanero,” and “red worm or midget much less harm it, as it is an endan- all when handled. However, it has en-
snake.” gered and protected species. larged teeth at the back of its upper
jaws that emit mild venom that para-
Rattlesnake (Crotalus unicolor) is the native totem of Santanero (Leptodeira bakeri), or lyzes its prey to be swallowed whole
agriculture, the caretaker of the harvest land, “Cui- Aruba cat’s eye snake, also known as since Santanero does not coil around
dado di Cunuco,” known locally as rattlesnake. This a stinking snake because of the foul or constrict its prey to suffocate and
snake is relatively small—70 cm long. It is a venom- smell that sticks to your hand when immobilize them. Although mildly ven-
ous snake; it adapts to its environment, and its body handled by a Santanero, or dweller of omous, Santanero rarely bites when
is shades of gray, light brown or light pink. It has faint the graveyard, can be found all over handled, and its venom is not con-
brown diamond-shaped markings on its back. The Aruba. In times of rain, it is common to sidered dangerous to humans. Even
shapes and coloration of the diamonds are most vis- find them near dams and even cross- though the old ways warn that its bite
ible on the backs of juvenile specimens. The rattle- ing roads at night. Santanero is a slen- could make you suffer a dull, persis-
snake’s most distinctive feature is the rattle at the end der snake and is approximately 50 cm tent pain and aching of your bones for
of its tail, which emits a buzzing sound when the snake long. some days, especially the long bones
becomes alarmed or threatened. These snakes are of your arms and legs.
shy and not very aggressive; however, their venom We can recognize this snake by the
Small red worm snake (Leptotyphlops
arubrum), to which we have dedicat-
ed the episode “Get to Know Aruba’s
Small Snake, lives mainly underground,
is very cryptic, and hunts termites and
ant eggs. Not much is known about
their habits. We know these snakes
can reproduce different pheromones,
allowing them to enter termite nests,
etc. The insects do not recognize the
intruder due to the pheromone it imi-
tates, and therefore the termites or
ants do not sound the alarm to defend
themselves or attack. These snakes
also have the ability to leave trails
for termites, which lead them to their
nests.
If knowing more about Aruba is on
your itinerary, Etnia Nativa is your
only choice—a unique native gem!
Let Anthony, our acclaimed cultural
columnist, guide and lecture you
regarding the most interesting and
revealing stories regarding Aruba’s
uncovering knowledge acquired
through generations of native eth-
nic presence, an beyond beaches
learning adventure. Visit his magnifi-
cent dwelling that integrates reused
materials with nature, bursting with
culture and island heritage! Whats
App +297 592 2702 etnianativa03@
gmail.com
