Psammophiidae
Dwarf Beaked Snake
HarmlessDipsina multimaculata
6 photographs of the Dwarf Beaked Snake. © dune_ninja.
The Dwarf Beaked Snake (Dipsina multimaculata) is a non-venomous snake in the Psammophiidae family, recorded in 3 countries.
- Family
- Psammophiidae
About the Dwarf Beaked Snake
The dwarf beaked snake (Dipsina multimaculata), also called the western beaked snake, is a species of snake, which is endemic to southern Africa. It is in the monotypic genus Dipsina.
Geographic range
It is found in southwestern Botswana, Namibia, and western and central South Africa.
Description
Dipsina multimaculata is a small snake with a distinct, pointed snout. Adults may attain a total length of 40 cm (15.8 inches), including a 4.5-cm (1.8-in) tail.
It is pale buff or sandy gray dorsally, with three or five series of regular brown spots. The spots in the vertebral series are broader than long. A V-shaped brown mark is found on the back part of the head, with a diagonal brown streak from behind the eye towards the corner of the mouth. Ventrally, it is whitish.
The smooth dorsal scales are arranged in 17 rows. Ventrals number 155–168 in females, the anal plate is divided, and the subcaudals are divided (paired) into 31–40 in females.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Dwarf Beaked Snake
- Is the Dwarf Beaked Snake venomous?
- No. The Dwarf Beaked Snake (Dipsina multimaculata) 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 Dwarf Beaked Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Dwarf Beaked Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Dwarf Beaked Snake dangerous?
- The Dwarf Beaked Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Dwarf Beaked Snake live?
- The Dwarf Beaked Snake has verified records in 3 countries, including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana. See the distribution section below for its full range.
Where it is found
More Psammophiidae snakes
Western Montpellier SnakeMalpolon monspessulanus
Rhombic SkaapstekerPsammophylax rhombeatus
Eastern Montpellier SnakeMalpolon insignitus
Stripe-bellied Sand SnakePsammophis subtaeniatus
Karoo Sand SnakePsammophis notostictus
Cross-marked Sand SnakePsammophis crucifer
Forskal Sand SnakePsammophis schokari
Olive Whip SnakePsammophis mossambicus
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
- Psammophiidae
- GenusA close-knit group of very similar species
- Dipsina
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Dipsina multimaculata
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.