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Colubridae

Dark-headed Dwarf Racer

Harmless

Eirenis persicus

Dark-headed Dwarf Racer
Eirenis persicus, (c) Kian, some rights reserved (CC BY)

The Dark-headed Dwarf Racer (Eirenis persicus) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 6 countries.

Family
Colubridae

About the Dark-headed Dwarf Racer

Eirenis persicus is a species of snake of the family Colubridae. It is commonly known as the dark-headed dwarf racer.

Geographic range

The snake is found in the Middle East. Eirenis persicus has a wide distribution range. They can be found in south-eastern Turkey, southern Armenia, eastern Iraq, Iran, south Turkmenistan and also in some parts of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and north-western India.

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Dark-headed Dwarf Racer

Is the Dark-headed Dwarf Racer venomous?
No. The Dark-headed Dwarf Racer (Eirenis persicus) 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 Dark-headed Dwarf Racer poisonous?
Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Dark-headed Dwarf Racer is neither poisonous nor venomous.
Is the Dark-headed Dwarf Racer dangerous?
The Dark-headed Dwarf Racer is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
Where does the Dark-headed Dwarf Racer live?
The Dark-headed Dwarf Racer has verified records in 6 countries, including Iran (Islamic Republic of), Turkmenistan, Iraq. See the distribution section below for its full range.

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

Keep learning

Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.