Cutlass

About the Cutlass

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Cutlass

Is the Cutlass venomous?

No. The Cutlass (Phrynonax sexcarinatus) 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 Cutlass poisonous?

Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Cutlass is neither poisonous nor venomous.

Is the Cutlass dangerous?

The Cutlass is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.

Where does the Cutlass live?

The Cutlass has verified records in 10 countries, including French Guiana, Peru, Ecuador. See the distribution section below for its full range.

Where it is found

More Colubridae snakes

• 
  Brown Sipo
  Chironius fuscus
• 
  Green Sipo
  Chironius exoletus
• 
  South American Sipo
  Chironius multiventris
• 
  Two-headed Sipo
  Chironius bicarinatus
• 
  Mountain Sipo
  Chironius monticola
• 
  Ecuador Sipo
  Chironius grandisquamis
• 
  Wagler's Sipo
  Chironius scurrula
• 
  Spix's Sipo
  Chironius spixii

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

Chironius

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

Phrynonax sexcarinatus

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.