I have already mentioned the existence of large toads known as “rococos” or “cururús” (Rhinella schneideri) that frequent our farmhouse in Salta, Argentina, feeding from the great number of insects attracted by the light [1]
They look impregnable but that is misleading as they do have enemies and one that is a specialist: the toad-eating snake (Xenodon merremii) known locally as “sapera” (“sapo” is toad in Spanish so the name indicates that it feeds on them). Harmless to humans, we see these snakes rarely but we had one residing on the roof of the house for many years.
The snake captures the toad that defends itself by puffing itself up to no avail as the snake is able to puncture and deflate them to be able to swallow them.
This morning, while walking around the neighbourhood we found a toad-eating snake that had caught a large toad. Unfortunately, it was killed by a car while crossing the road.
Although the images can be found disturbing, I decided that it was an interesting find, worth writing about.
Please note that the snake was 1.5 metres long.
A Bushsnob out of Africa 