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Colubridae

Angel’s Keelback

Venomous

Rhabdophis angeli

Angel’s Keelback
Rhabdophis angeli, (c) Wxs, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Angel’s KeelbackAngel’s Keelback

3 photographs of the Angel’s Keelback. (c) Wxs, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC).

The Angel’s Keelback (Rhabdophis angeli) is a venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 2 countries.

If you are bitten

This is a venomous snake. Treat any bite as a medical emergency: stay calm, keep the bitten limb still and roughly level with the heart, remove rings and tight clothing, and get to emergency care immediately. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, apply ice, or try to suck out venom. Call your local emergency number or poison center.

Family
Colubridae
Danger
high

About the Angel’s Keelback

Rhabdophis angeli, also known commonly as Angel's keelback, is a species of keelback snake in the subfamily Natricinae of the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to Vietnam.

Etymology

The specific name, angeli, is in honor of French herpetologist Fernand Angel.

Geographic range

Rhabdophis angeli is found in northern Vietnam, in Thái Nguyên Province and Vĩnh Phúc Province.

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of Rhabdophis angeli is forest.

Description

Rhabdophis angeli may attain a total length (including tail) of 43 cm (17 in).

Reproduction

Rhabdophis angeli is oviparous.

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Angel’s Keelback

Is the Angel’s Keelback venomous?
Yes. The Angel’s Keelback (Rhabdophis angeli) is venomous and belongs to the Colubridae family (keelback (rear-fanged)). Its bite is considered high risk to people. Treat any bite as a medical emergency.
Is the Angel’s Keelback poisonous?
Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Angel’s Keelback is venomous, delivering venom through a bite.
Is the Angel’s Keelback dangerous?
This is a venomous snake. Treat any bite as a medical emergency: stay calm, keep the bitten limb still and roughly level with the heart, remove rings and tight clothing, and get to emergency care immediately. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, apply ice, or try to suck out venom. Call your local emergency number or poison center.
Where does the Angel’s Keelback live?
The Angel’s Keelback has verified records in 2 countries, including Viet Nam, China. See the distribution section below for its full range.
Why is it called the Angel’s Keelback?
The specific name, angeli, is in honor of French herpetologist Fernand Angel.

If you are bitten by the Angel’s Keelback

A venomous snakebite is a medical emergency. Call your local emergency number immediately. In the US, dial 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Do

  • Get away from the snake and stay calm. Most bites worsen when people panic or try again to handle the snake.
  • Call 911 or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) right away. Antivenom works best when given early.
  • Note the time of the bite and, from a safe distance, the snake's color and pattern, a phone photo is enough. Do not chase it.
  • Keep the bitten limb still and at roughly heart level. Sit or lie down and limit movement.
  • Remove rings, watches, and tight clothing near the bite before swelling starts.
  • Gently wash the bite with soap and water and cover it with a clean, dry dressing.

Do not

  • Do not cut the wound or try to suck out the venom.
  • Do not apply a tourniquet or ice.
  • Do not drink alcohol or caffeine.
  • Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen, they can worsen bleeding. Acetaminophen is safer for pain.
  • Do not try to catch or kill the snake. A dead snake can still bite by reflex.

First-aid guidance adapted from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC NIOSH), Venomous Snakes. Educational only; always follow the instructions of emergency responders.

Where it is found

Viet NamChina

More Colubridae snakes

Classification

How scientists group this snake, from the broadest category down to the exact species. Each step narrows to its closest relatives.

OrderThe broad group of scaled reptiles: all snakes and lizards
Squamata
FamilyA group of related snakes that share key traits
Colubridae
GenusA close-knit group of very similar species
Rhabdophis
SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
Rhabdophis angeli

Keep learning

Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.