Colubridae
Chiapas Earth Snake
HarmlessGeophis cancellatus



3 photographs of the Chiapas Earth Snake. (c) FINCA VILLA ALICIA, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC).
The Chiapas Earth Snake (Geophis cancellatus) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 2 countries.
- Family
- Colubridae
About the Chiapas Earth Snake
Geophis cancellatus, also known as the Chiapas earth snake, is a snake of the colubrid family. It is endemic to Mexico.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Chiapas Earth Snake
- Is the Chiapas Earth Snake venomous?
- No. The Chiapas Earth Snake (Geophis cancellatus) 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 Chiapas Earth Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Chiapas Earth Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Chiapas Earth Snake dangerous?
- The Chiapas Earth Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Chiapas Earth Snake live?
- The Chiapas Earth Snake has verified records in 2 countries, including Guatemala, Mexico. See the distribution section below for its full range.
Where it is found
More Colubridae snakes
- Terrestrial Snail SuckerGeophis sartorii
Hoffmann's Earth SnakeGeophis hoffmanni
Coral Earth SnakeGeophis semidoliatus
Gray Earth SnakeGeophis brachycephalus
Pygmy Snail SuckerGeophis sanniolus
Potosí Earth SnakeGeophis latifrontalis
Highland Earth SnakeGeophis mutitorques
Rosebelly Earth SnakeGeophis rhodogaster
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
- Geophis
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Geophis cancellatus
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.