Genus · Lamprophiidae
Types of ethiopian snakes
2 species make up the genus Pseudoboodon, the snakes commonly called ethiopian snakes. None are considered dangerous to humans.
About Ethiopian ground snakes
A tiny genus of secretive African ground snakes found almost entirely in the Ethiopian highlands.
Pseudoboodon is a small genus in the family Lamprophiidae, the large group of mostly African snakes that also includes the house snakes, wolf snakes, and many other ground-dwelling species. The genus is best known from the highlands of Ethiopia and neighboring parts of the Horn of Africa, where its members live at higher elevations than most snakes manage. Our database holds two of these species, including the Striped Ethiopian Snake and Böhme's Ethiopian Mountain Snake, names that point to both the striped patterning some carry and the cool, mountainous country they call home.
As lamprophiids, Pseudoboodon are terrestrial snakes built for life close to the ground. In general terms, members of this family tend to have smooth or lightly keeled scales, a moderate cylindrical body, and a head that is only slightly distinct from the neck, and the Ethiopian ground snakes fit that mold. They are not large or bulky animals, and a striped or banded back is a reasonable field expectation given the common names, though exact appearance varies between the two species. Because the genus is poorly studied and rarely encountered, careful identification is best left to regional herpetological references rather than a quick glance.
These are not dangerously venomous snakes. Like most ground-dwelling lamprophiids, Pseudoboodon are harmless to humans, relying on small prey such as other small vertebrates rather than potent venom, and many family members subdue prey by constriction or simple seizing. Their habits are typical of secretive ground snakes: low-key, ground-level foragers that are seldom seen. Even so, no wild snake should be handled, since field identification mistakes happen and any bite can cause infection. If anyone is bitten by a snake they cannot confidently identify, treat it as a medical matter and contact emergency services or US Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
Pseudoboodon belongs to the Lamprophiidae family (African house snakes & allies). Common African snakes, including the familiar house snakes. Variable; many are smooth-scaled, secretive, and active at night.
Danger: Mostly harmless. A few are rear-fanged with mild venom of no medical significance.
All species (2)
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