Rhachidelus

Rhachidelus is a monotypic genus, meaning it contains just one recognized species, the Brazilian bird snake (Rhachidelus brazili). It belongs to the family Colubridae, the largest and most diverse snake family, which holds the majority of the world's harmless and mildly venomous snakes. Within that sprawling family Rhachidelus is one of many South American lineages, and it sits among the rear-fanged and non-front-fanged colubrids rather than among the front-fanged elapids or vipers. As an obscure, infrequently studied snake, much of what is known about it comes from scattered field records rather than detailed long-term study.

The species occurs in central and eastern South America, with records from the open landscapes of Brazil and neighboring areas. It is associated with the Cerrado and other savanna and grassland habitats typical of that region, where ground-dwelling and partly burrowing colubrids are common. In general terms it is a slender to moderately built snake, and like many colubrids it lacks the heavy, broad triangular head and heat-sensing pits of true vipers. Identification of obscure colubrids like this is best left to regional reptile experts, since many harmless South American snakes look broadly similar to one another.

The Brazilian bird snake is noted for feeding on bird eggs, an unusual diet that has shaped interest in the species. It is not a recognized danger to people and is not considered a medically significant venomous snake. As with any wild snake, the responsible approach is to observe from a distance and not handle it, both for your safety and the animal's. If anyone is ever bitten by a snake they cannot confidently identify, treat it as a medical matter, stay calm, keep the limb still, and contact emergency services or, in the United States, Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.