Colubridae
Brazilian Slug-eating Snake
HarmlessDipsas mikanii
6 photographs of the Brazilian Slug-eating Snake. © Filipi Miranda Soares.
The Brazilian Slug-eating Snake (Dipsas mikanii) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 7 countries.
- Family
- Colubridae
About the Brazilian Slug-eating Snake
Dipsas mikanii is a species of snake in the subfamily Dipsadinae of the family Colubridae. The species is native to eastern South America.
Etymology
The specific name, mikanii, is in honor of German biologist Johann Christian Mikan.
Geographic distribution
Dipsas mikanii is found in Argentina, eastern Brazil, and Paraguay.
Habitat
The preferred natural habitats of Dipsas mikanii are forest and savanna, at elevations from sea level to 1,350 m (4,430 ft).
Behavior
Dipsas mikanii is terrestrial, semiarboreal, and nocturnal.
Diet
Dipsas mikanii preys predominately upon mollusks, slugs, and snails.
Reproduction
Dipsas mikanii is oviparous. Females lay eggs in communal nests.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Brazilian Slug-eating Snake
- Is the Brazilian Slug-eating Snake venomous?
- No. The Brazilian Slug-eating Snake (Dipsas mikanii) 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 Brazilian Slug-eating Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Brazilian Slug-eating Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Brazilian Slug-eating Snake dangerous?
- The Brazilian Slug-eating Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Brazilian Slug-eating Snake live?
- The Brazilian Slug-eating Snake has verified records in 7 countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia (Plurinational State of). See the distribution section below for its full range.
- What does the Brazilian Slug-eating Snake eat?
- Dipsas mikanii preys predominately upon mollusks, slugs, and snails.
- Why is it called the Brazilian Slug-eating Snake?
- The specific name, mikanii, is in honor of German biologist Johann Christian Mikan.
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
- Dipsas
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Dipsas mikanii
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.