Boulenger's Odd-scaled Snake

About the Boulenger's Odd-scaled Snake

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Boulenger's Odd-scaled Snake

Is the Boulenger's Odd-scaled Snake venomous?

No. The Boulenger's Odd-scaled Snake (Achalinus rufescens) 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 Boulenger's Odd-scaled Snake poisonous?

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

Is the Boulenger's Odd-scaled Snake dangerous?

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

Where does the Boulenger's Odd-scaled Snake live?

The Boulenger's Odd-scaled Snake has verified records in 4 countries, including Hong Kong, China, Viet Nam. See the distribution section below for its full range.

Where it is found

More Xenodermidae snakes

• 
  Black Odd-scaled Snake
  Achalinus niger
• 
  Huang's odd-scaled snake
  Achalinus huangjietangi
• 
  Peters' Odd-scaled Snake
  Achalinus spinalis
• 
  Formosa Odd-scaled Snake
  Achalinus formosanus
• 
  Achalinus ningshanensis
  Achalinus ningshanensis
• 
  Amami Takachiho Snake
  Achalinus werneri
• 
  Achalinus dehuaensis
  Achalinus dehuaensis
• 
  Szechwan Odd-scaled Snake
  Achalinus meiguensis

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

Xenodermidae

GenusA close-knit group of very similar species

Achalinus

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

Achalinus rufescens

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.