Colubridae
Gambote Mock Viper
HarmlessDryophylax gambotensis

The Gambote Mock Viper (Dryophylax gambotensis) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family.
- Family
- Colubridae
About the Gambote Mock Viper
Dryophylax gambotensis is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to Colombia.
Etymology
The species is named after its type locality Gambote, Bolivar, Colombia.
It is also called Thermodynastes gambotensis
Description
D. gambotensis contains 19 dorsal rows of smooth, weakly keeled scales and a single scale pit. It features a stout, spinous hemipenis. The maxillary teeth configuration is 12-14+2G, with 13+2G being the most common. Its chin is heavily pigmented, and larger scales may show contrasting pale centres. There is a presence of 7 supralabials.
Habitat and Behavior
This species is native to Gambote, in Bolivar region in Colombia.
Life cycle
It has a viviparous mode of reproduction.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Gambote Mock Viper
- Is the Gambote Mock Viper venomous?
- No. The Gambote Mock Viper (Dryophylax gambotensis) 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 Gambote Mock Viper poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Gambote Mock Viper is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Gambote Mock Viper dangerous?
- The Gambote Mock Viper is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Why is it called the Gambote Mock Viper?
- The species is named after its type locality Gambote, Bolivar, Colombia. It is also called Thermodynastes gambotensis
More Colubridae snakes
Keeled Sepia SnakeDryophylax hypoconia
Coastal Mock ViperDryophylax nattereri
Petrolina Mock ViperDryophylax phoenix
Chaco Sepia SnakeDryophylax chaquensis- Paraguana Mock ViperDryophylax paraguanae
Jararaca Mock ViperDryophylax almae
Double-lined Water SnakeDryophylax ramonriveroi
Apure Mock ViperDryophylax dixoni
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
- Dryophylax
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Dryophylax gambotensis
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.