Is the Boie's Rough-sided Snake venomous?

No. The Boie's Rough-sided Snake (Aspidura brachyorrhos) 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 Boie's Rough-sided Snake poisonous?

Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Boie's Rough-sided Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.

Is the Boie's Rough-sided Snake dangerous?

The Boie's Rough-sided Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.

Where does the Boie's Rough-sided Snake live?

The Boie's Rough-sided Snake has verified records in 3 countries, including Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Philippines. See the distribution section below for its full range.

Colubridae

Boie's Rough-sided Snake

Harmless

Aspidura brachyorrhos

The Boie's Rough-sided Snake (Aspidura brachyorrhos) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 3 countries.

Family: Colubridae

About the Boie's Rough-sided Snake

Aspidura brachyorrhos, commonly known as Boie's rough-sided snake and as ලේ මැඩිල්ලා (le medilla) in Sinhala, is a species of colubrid endemic to Sri Lanka. Bites from this species are known to cause mild local reactions, including a slight burning sensation and swelling.

Distribution

A small burrowing snake found in the midhills of central Sri Lanka. Recorded localities include Namunukula, Gampola, Weligala, Peradeniya, Gammaduwa, Dambulla, Kegalle, and Kandy.

Description

The head is indistinct from the neck, and the body is cylindrical. The dorsal side is a rich orange-brown with mottled, discontinuous mid-dorsal stripes that are distinct, accompanied by two rows of lateral spots. The head is dark brown.

Scalation

Midbody scale rows: 17. Pre-ocular scales present. Two post-oculars in contact with the parietal. Ventrals: 134–159. Subcaudals: 25–39.

Ecology

Little is known about this species. It occurs at elevations between 610 and 1,100 meters. This species has been found in tea plantations, vegetable gardens, and has also been unearthed from riverbanks.

Reproduction

Between 2 and 6 offsprings measuring 8 × 28 mm are produced.

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Boie's Rough-sided Snake

Is the Boie's Rough-sided Snake venomous?: No. The Boie's Rough-sided Snake (Aspidura brachyorrhos) 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 Boie's Rough-sided Snake poisonous?: Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Boie's Rough-sided Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
Is the Boie's Rough-sided Snake dangerous?: The Boie's Rough-sided Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
Where does the Boie's Rough-sided Snake live?: The Boie's Rough-sided Snake has verified records in 3 countries, including Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Philippines. See the distribution section below for its full range.

Where it is found

Sri Lanka Myanmar Philippines

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: Aspidura
SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name: Aspidura brachyorrhos

Keep learning

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