Genus · Colubridae
Thermophis
The genus Thermophis contains a single species. It is not considered dangerous to humans.
About hot-spring keelbacks
A tiny genus of high-altitude keelback snakes that live around hot springs in the mountains of central Asia.
Thermophis is a small genus in the family Colubridae, the largest and most diverse snake family. Its members are commonly called hot-spring keelbacks because they are tied to geothermal areas at high elevation on and around the Tibetan Plateau. The best known member in this database is the Sichuan Hot-spring Keel-back. These snakes are remarkable mainly for where they live: among the highest-altitude snakes known, persisting in cold montane environments where the warmth of hot springs helps them stay active. As keelbacks they share the loose grouping of natricine colubrids, semi-aquatic snakes that favor water and damp ground.
Range is restricted to a few mountainous regions of western China and the wider Tibetan Plateau, where the genus is found near hot springs, streams, wetlands, and grassland at high elevation. The reliance on geothermal warmth in an otherwise harsh, cold habitat makes these snakes naturally local and uncommon. In general terms, a Thermophis is a slender, modestly sized snake with the keeled body scales typical of keelbacks, which give the back a ridged texture rather than a smooth one. Coloration tends toward muted browns and olives with darker markings, blending into rock and vegetation near water.
Like typical natricine keelbacks, these snakes are not front-fanged vipers or elapids and are not considered dangerous to people; they are best described as harmless to humans in practical terms, though wild snakes should be observed and not handled. Their diet centers on small aquatic and semi-aquatic prey such as fish and amphibians, taken in and around the springs and streams they depend on. If anyone is ever 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 rather than attempting first aid at the scene.
Thermophis 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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