Genus · Colubridae
Paraphimophis
The genus Paraphimophis contains a single species. It is not considered dangerous to humans.
About brown mussurana
A South American colubrid snake known for hunting and eating other snakes.
Paraphimophis is a small genus within the large family Colubridae, the most diverse snake family in the world. It currently holds a single recognized species, the brown mussurana (Paraphimophis rusticus). It belongs to the broader group of New World mussuranas and their relatives, snakes long noted for a diet that includes other snakes. Like most colubrids, it has the smooth, streamlined build and large head scales typical of the family rather than the heavy body and triangular head people associate with vipers.
The brown mussurana is a South American snake, occurring across parts of the continent's central and southern regions in habitats that range from open grasslands and savanna to drier scrub and woodland edges. Members of the genus are generally moderate to fairly large terrestrial snakes with a fairly uniform brown to dark coloration that gives the common name. As with many ground-dwelling colubrids, they are most active when conditions are mild and tend to shelter under cover during the heat of the day.
Mussuranas and their kin are rear-fanged colubrids, meaning they have enlarged grooved teeth set toward the back of the upper jaw and a mild venom used to subdue prey. This venom is adapted for small prey, including snakes, and these animals are not considered dangerous to people. That said, no wild snake should be handled. A defensive bite from any rear-fanged snake can cause local irritation, and the safe response to any bite is to move away from the animal, stay calm, and seek medical care. In the United States contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, or call local emergency services.
Paraphimophis 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 (1)
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