Darwin's Racer

About the Darwin's Racer

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Darwin's Racer

Is the Darwin's Racer venomous?

No. The Darwin's Racer (Pseudalsophis darwini) 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 Darwin's Racer poisonous?

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

Is the Darwin's Racer dangerous?

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

Where does the Darwin's Racer live?

The Darwin's Racer has verified records in 1 country, including Ecuador. See the distribution section below for its full range.

Why is it called the Darwin's Racer?

This species of snake is named after the famous naturalist Charles Darwin, who described many species in the Galapagos Islands and discovered the theory of evolution.

Where it is found

More Colubridae snakes

• 
  Fernandina Racer
  Pseudalsophis occidentalis
• 
  Painted Racer
  Pseudalsophis steindachneri
• 
  South American Elegant Racer
  Pseudalsophis elegans
• 
  Santa Cruz Racer
  Pseudalsophis dorsalis
• 
  Galápagos Racer
  Pseudalsophis biserialis
• 
  Española Racer
  Pseudalsophis hoodensis
• 
  Thomas's Racer
  Pseudalsophis thomasi
• 
  Santiago Racer
  Pseudalsophis hephaestus

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

Pseudalsophis

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

Pseudalsophis darwini

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.