Is the Deppe's Centipede Snake venomous?

No. The Deppe's Centipede Snake (Tantilla deppei) 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 Deppe's Centipede Snake poisonous?

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

Is the Deppe's Centipede Snake dangerous?

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

Where does the Deppe's Centipede Snake live?

The Deppe's Centipede Snake has verified records in 1 country, including Mexico. See the distribution section below for its full range.

How do I identify the Deppe's Centipede Snake?

Tiny and slender, plain brown or tan, often with a darker head cap.

Small burrowing snake

Deppe's Centipede Snake

Harmless

Tantilla deppei

The Deppe's Centipede Snake (Tantilla deppei) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 1 country.

Also called: Small burrowing snake
Family: Colubridae
Size: Tiny, 6–12 in.
Habitat: Under rocks, logs, and leaf litter across many habitats.
Behavior: Secretive, burrowing insect- and centipede-eaters; almost never seen above ground.
Identify: Tiny and slender, plain brown or tan, often with a darker head cap.

About the Deppe's Centipede Snake

Tantilla deppei, also known commonly as Deppe's centipede snake and la culebra centipedívora de Deppe in Mexican Spanish, is a species of snake in the subfamily Colubrinae of the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to Mexico.

Etymology

The specific name, deppei, is in honor of German naturalist Ferdinand Deppe.

Geographic range

Tantilla deppei is found in central Mexico.

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of Tantilla deppei is forest.

Behavior

Tantilla deppei is terrestrial, sheltering under rocks and other cover on the ground.

Reproduction

Tantilla deppei is oviparous.

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Deppe's Centipede Snake

Is the Deppe's Centipede Snake venomous?: No. The Deppe's Centipede Snake (Tantilla deppei) 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 Deppe's Centipede Snake poisonous?: Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Deppe's Centipede Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
Is the Deppe's Centipede Snake dangerous?: The Deppe's Centipede Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
Where does the Deppe's Centipede Snake live?: The Deppe's Centipede Snake has verified records in 1 country, including Mexico. See the distribution section below for its full range.
How do I identify the Deppe's Centipede Snake?: Tiny and slender, plain brown or tan, often with a darker head cap.
How big does the Deppe's Centipede Snake get?: Tiny, 6–12 in.
Why is it called the Deppe's Centipede Snake?: The specific name, deppei, is in honor of German naturalist Ferdinand Deppe.

Where it is found

Mexico

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

Keep learning

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