Colubridae
Argentine Pampas Snake
HarmlessPhimophis guerini
6 photographs of the Argentine Pampas Snake. © Thomaz de Carvalho Callado.
The Argentine Pampas Snake (Phimophis guerini) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 5 countries.
- Family
- Colubridae
About the Argentine Pampas Snake
Phimophis guerini, also known commonly as the Argentine pampas snake, is a species of snake in the subfamily Dipsadinae of the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to South America.
Etymology
The specific name, guerini, is in honor of French entomologist Félix Édouard Guérin-Méneville.
Geographic distribution and habitat
P. guerini has been recorded from open areas and savannas in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Description
P. guerini may attain a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of 75 cm (30 in).
It has eight upper labials and nine or ten lower labials. The dorsal scales are in 21 rows anteriorly, 19 rows at midbody, and 17 rows posteriorly. The ventrals number about 200. The subcaudals number about 70 (a few more in males, a few less in females).
Behavior
P. guerini is terrestrial and nocturnal.
Diet
P. guerini preys predominately upon lizards, but also occasionally upon small mammals.
Reproduction
P. guerini is oviparous. Clutch size is three to seven eggs.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Argentine Pampas Snake
- Is the Argentine Pampas Snake venomous?
- No. The Argentine Pampas Snake (Phimophis guerini) 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 Argentine Pampas Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Argentine Pampas Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Argentine Pampas Snake dangerous?
- The Argentine Pampas Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Argentine Pampas Snake live?
- The Argentine Pampas Snake has verified records in 5 countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay. See the distribution section below for its full range.
- What does the Argentine Pampas Snake eat?
- P. guerini preys predominately upon lizards, but also occasionally upon small mammals.
- Why is it called the Argentine Pampas Snake?
- The specific name, guerini, is in honor of French entomologist Félix Édouard Guérin-Méneville.
Where it is found
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
- Phimophis
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Phimophis guerini
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. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.