Genus · Colubridae
Tantalophis
The genus Tantalophis contains a single species. It is not considered dangerous to humans.
About Mexican cat-eyed snakes
A tiny New World colubrid genus, known from a single Mexican species with vertical cat-like pupils.
Tantalophis is a monotypic genus in the family Colubridae, the largest snake family in the world. It contains the single recognized species Tantalophis discolor, the Oaxacan Cat-eyed Snake, named for the vertical, elliptical pupils that give cat-eyed snakes their common name. Within Colubridae it sits among the New World snail-eating and cat-eyed lineages, a group of slender, mostly nocturnal snakes whose taxonomy has been revised many times as new genetic data arrive.
The genus is restricted to Mexico, where its only species is associated with the highlands of Oaxaca and nearby regions. Like other small Neotropical colubrids in this assemblage, it is expected to favor moist montane and forest habitats where it can find cover and prey at night. Members are recognized in general terms by a slender body, a head that is distinct from the neck, and the hallmark vertical pupils, features shared with related cat-eyed snakes rather than unique to this genus.
Tantalophis is not considered dangerous to people. Small colubrids in this group are typically harmless or, at most, mildly rear-fanged, with no venom of medical importance to humans. As a rule, leave any wild snake alone and do not handle one you cannot positively identify, since lookalikes exist and a wild snake will bite when cornered. If a venomous snake bite is ever suspected, treat it as a medical emergency: contact local emergency services or US Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 rather than attempting first aid yourself. Specific diet and reproduction details for this obscure species are poorly documented, and small Neotropical colubrids of this kind generally take small prey such as invertebrates or small vertebrates and lay eggs, but those particulars should not be assumed for this animal without confirmed records.
Tantalophis 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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