Eight-lined Keelback

About the Eight-lined Keelback

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Eight-lined Keelback

Is the Eight-lined Keelback venomous?

No. The Eight-lined Keelback (Hebius octolineatus) 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 Eight-lined Keelback poisonous?

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

Is the Eight-lined Keelback dangerous?

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

Where does the Eight-lined Keelback live?

The Eight-lined Keelback has verified records in 1 country, including China. See the distribution section below for its full range.

Where it is found

More Colubridae snakes

• 
  Japanese Keelback
  Hebius vibakari
• 
  Kosempo Keelback
  Hebius sauteri
• 
  Pryer's Keelback
  Hebius pryeri
• 
  Wynad Keelback
  Amphiesma monticola
• 
  Tai-yong Keelback
  Hebius boulengeri
• 
  Kuatun Keelback
  Hebius craspedogaster
• 
  Sabah Keelback
  Hebius flavifrons
• 
  Pope's Keelback
  Hebius popei

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

Hebius

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

Hebius octolineatus

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.