Colubridae
Cantor’s black-headed snake
HarmlessSibynophis sagittarius
The Cantor’s black-headed snake (Sibynophis sagittarius) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 4 countries.
- Family
- Colubridae
About the Cantor’s black-headed snake
Sibynophis sagittarius, commonly known as Cantor's black-headed snake after Theodore Cantor, is a species of snake endemic to South Asia.
Geographic range
It is found in central and northeastern India, Bhutan, Nepal, and Pakistan. It is uncertain whether the species occurs or has occurred in Bangladesh.
Description
Adults may attain 28 cm (11 in) in total length, with a tail 6 cm (2.4 in) long.
As the common name implies, the dorsal surface of the head, including the nape of the neck, is black or dark brown, followed by a thin yellow nuchal collar. Also, there are two large elongate yellowish spots, one on each side of the back of the head. The upper surface of the body is pale brown, and the sides of the body are darker brown or gray. On each flank there is a thin black stripe separating the differently colored areas. A series of small black dots, widely separated, run down the vertebral row of dorsal scales. The underside is yellow, with a black dot at each outer end of every ventral.
The smooth dorsal scales, which lack apical pits, are arranged in 17 rows. Ventrals 205–228; anal plate divided; subcaudals 56–70, divided (paired).
Habitat
Sibynophis sagittarius is found in forests.
Behavior
It is not arboreal, but rather hunts by day on the forest floor.
Diet
It feeds on insects, frogs, skinks, and snakes.
Reproduction
An oviparous species, it lays a clutch of as many as six eggs.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Cantor’s black-headed snake
- Is the Cantor’s black-headed snake venomous?
- No. The Cantor’s black-headed snake (Sibynophis sagittarius) 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 Cantor’s black-headed snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Cantor’s black-headed snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Cantor’s black-headed snake dangerous?
- The Cantor’s black-headed snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Cantor’s black-headed snake live?
- The Cantor’s black-headed snake has verified records in 4 countries, including India, Nepal, Sri Lanka. See the distribution section below for its full range.
- What does the Cantor’s black-headed snake eat?
- It feeds on insects, frogs, skinks, and snakes.
Where it is found
More Colubridae snakes
Chinese Many-tooth SnakeSibynophis chinensis
Black-headed snakeSibynophis subpunctatus
Collared Black-headed SnakeSibynophis collaris
Black-headed Collared SnakeSibynophis melanocephalus
Boie's Many-tooth SnakeSibynophis geminatus
Triangle Many-tooth SnakeSibynophis triangularis
Sibynophis grahamiSibynophis grahami
Günther's Many-tooth SnakeSibynophis bistrigatus
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
- Sibynophis
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Sibynophis sagittarius
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.