Genus · Pseudoxyrhophiidae
Micropisthodon
The genus Micropisthodon contains a single species. It is not considered dangerous to humans.
About chevron-necked snake
A little-known Madagascan snake belonging to the island's large radiation of harmless to mildly venomous rear-fanged colubroids.
Micropisthodon is a small genus in the family Pseudoxyrhophiidae, the dominant snake family of Madagascar. It contains a single recognized species, the chevron-necked snake (Micropisthodon ochraceus), which is endemic to the island. Like the rest of its family, it descends from a single colonization of Madagascar and is part of the broader Lamprophiidae group of African and Malagasy snakes rather than the true colubrids of other continents.
Pseudoxyrhophiids are typically slender, ground-dwelling to semi-arboreal snakes of forests and humid habitats, and Micropisthodon fits this general pattern as a denizen of Madagascar's eastern rainforest belt. Members of the family are most reliably identified by region and by family traits rather than by single field marks, since many Malagasy snakes converge on similar brown, banded, or patterned looks. Reliable identification of an obscure species like this one is best left to verified locality records and expert examination rather than guesswork.
Snakes in this family are rear-fanged, meaning they carry enlarged grooved teeth toward the back of the upper jaw and produce a mild venom used to subdue small prey such as frogs, lizards, and invertebrates. There are no documented cases of Pseudoxyrhophiidae causing serious harm to people, and they are generally regarded as harmless to humans, but no wild snake should be handled. If a bite occurs and symptoms develop, do not attempt home treatment; contact emergency services or, in the United States, Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
Micropisthodon belongs to the Pseudoxyrhophiidae family (Malagasy snakes). A spectacular radiation of mostly harmless snakes centered on Madagascar. Highly variable; identification is usually by region and genus rather than a single family trait.
Danger: Considered harmless to humans. Some are mildly venomous (rear-fanged) but not medically significant.
All species (1)
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