Pseudoxyrhophiidae
Ankarana Dwarf Snake
HarmlessHeteroliodon lava
The Ankarana Dwarf Snake (Heteroliodon lava) is a non-venomous snake in the Pseudoxyrhophiidae family, recorded in 1 country.
- Family
- Pseudoxyrhophiidae
About the Ankarana Dwarf Snake
The Ankarana Dwarf Snake belongs to the Pseudoxyrhophiidae family, malagasy snakes. A spectacular radiation of mostly harmless snakes centered on Madagascar.
This family is the dominant snake group of Madagascar, where it has diversified into hognose snakes, cat-eyed snakes, leaf-nosed snakes, and many more, with additional members in Africa. Most are rear-fanged but harmless to people.
Its genus, Heteroliodon, covers Madagascar dwarf snakes. A tiny genus of small, secretive burrowing snakes found only on Madagascar.
The Ankarana Dwarf Snake is non-venomous and harmless to people. Like most snakes it is a quiet predator that helps keep rodents and other small prey in check.
It has been recorded in Madagascar.
Field-guide summary compiled from taxonomy and verified occurrence records. Detailed natural-history notes for this species are still being added.
Frequently asked: Ankarana Dwarf Snake
- Is the Ankarana Dwarf Snake venomous?
- No. The Ankarana Dwarf Snake (Heteroliodon lava) is non-venomous and is not considered dangerous to humans. Like most snakes, it will retreat rather than bite when given the chance.
- Is the Ankarana Dwarf Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Ankarana Dwarf Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Ankarana Dwarf Snake dangerous?
- The Ankarana Dwarf Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Ankarana Dwarf Snake live?
- The Ankarana Dwarf Snake has verified records in 1 country, including Madagascar. See the distribution section below for its full range.
Where it is found
More Pseudoxyrhophiidae snakes
Light-banded Dwarf SnakeHeteroliodon occipitalis
Common Slug-eaterDuberria lutrix
Common Madagascar Cat SnakeMadagascarophis colubrinus
Giant Madagascan Hognose SnakeLeioheterodon madagascariensis
Bernier's Striped SnakeDromicodryas bernieri
Lateral Water SnakeThamnosophis lateralis
Four-striped SnakeDromicodryas quadrilineatus
Blonde Hognose SnakeLeioheterodon modestus
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
- Pseudoxyrhophiidae
- GenusA close-knit group of very similar species
- Heteroliodon
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Heteroliodon lava
Keep learning
- What to Do If You Find a SnakeFound a snake at home or on a trail? Here is how to stay calm, give it space, identify it safely, and know when to call a professional.
- Venomous vs Nonvenomous: How to Tell the DifferenceThe folk rules for telling venomous snakes apart, where each one fails, and why location-based identification beats guessing by sight.
- What Is a Snake? Anatomy and the BasicsA clear overview of what makes a snake a snake: limbless body plan, anatomy, evolution from lizards, species diversity, and why they are ectothermic.
- How to Keep Snakes Out of Your Yard and HomeA practical guide to keeping snakes out of your yard and home using habitat changes that work, plus what to skip and what to do if one shows up.
Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.