This snake, originally recognized in 1884 (as Comastes ornatus) was relegated to subspecies status (Leptodeira septentrionalis ornata) from 1958 until 2014, when it was promoted back to being a full species.

We saw a few more prowling around a marshy agricultural field a few days later.

This is a welcome sight for any snake lover scanning tropical vegetation at night. If I had never seen this species, I would probably have gently nudged it into showing its head, but in this case I was happy to just let it rest.