Genus · Colubridae
Types of groundsnakes
2 species make up the genus Ialtris, the snakes commonly called groundsnakes. None are considered dangerous to humans.
About Hispaniolan groundsnakes
A small group of slender, secretive groundsnakes found only on Hispaniola and its satellite islands.
Ialtris is a small genus of colubrid snakes in the family Colubridae, restricted to the Caribbean island of Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic) and nearby islands. Our database holds two species, including the Haitian Groundsnake and the Brown Fanged Snake. These are part of the West Indian radiation of dipsadine-type colubrids, a group that diversified across the Greater Antilles. As island endemics with limited ranges, the members of Ialtris are far less familiar than mainland groundsnakes, and detailed life-history information for some species is sparse.
Members are typically modest in size, slender-bodied groundsnakes that you would recognize by their smooth scales, fairly uniform brownish to grayish coloration, and a build suited to moving through leaf litter, soil, and low vegetation rather than climbing or swimming. Like many groundsnakes, they are inconspicuous and most active in cooler parts of the day or at dusk, spending much of their time hidden under cover. They are not boldly patterned warning-colored snakes; their plain coloring is camouflage for a life close to the ground.
Ecologically these are small predators that hunt prey such as lizards, frogs, and other small animals typical of West Indian groundsnakes, and like most colubrids they reproduce by laying eggs. Some species in this lineage are rear-fanged (opisthoglyphous), meaning they have enlarged grooved teeth toward the back of the upper jaw and a mild saliva used to subdue small prey. That venom is adapted to lizards and similar prey, not to people, so these snakes are not considered dangerous to humans and are not aggressive. Even so, no wild snake should be handled, and any bite that causes unusual swelling or a reaction warrants medical attention. In the United States contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, or call local emergency services.
Ialtris belongs to the Colubridae family (Colubrids). The largest snake family, and the one most snakes you meet belong to. Typically round pupils, a head only slightly wider than the neck, and no heat-sensing facial pit or rattle. Scales may be smooth and glossy or keeled and matte depending on the species.
Danger: Almost all colubrids are harmless. A small number are rear-fanged with medically significant venom, the boomslang and the twig (vine) snakes of Africa being the dangerous exceptions. Most colubrids will flee or bluff rather than bite.
All species (2)
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