Colubridae
Gomes' Pampas Snake
HarmlessRodriguesophis iglesiasi
The Gomes' Pampas Snake (Rodriguesophis iglesiasi) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 1 country.
- Family
- Colubridae
About the Gomes' Pampas Snake
Rodriguesophis iglesiasi, also known commonly as Gomes' pampas snake or Gomes's pampas snake, is a species of snake in the subfamily Dipsadinae of the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to Brazil.
Etymology
The specific name, iglesias, is in honor of Brazilian zoologist Francisco Iglesias.
Geographic range
R. iglesiasi is found in the Brazilian states of Bahia, Goiás, Maranhão, Minas Gerais, Pernambuco, Piauí, and Tocantins.
Habitat
The preferred natural habitats of R. iglesiasi are grassland, shrubland, and savanna.
Description
A small snake, R. iglesiasi may attain a total length (including tail) of 51.7 cm (20.4 in).
Dorsally, it is reddish with a black nuchal blotch. Ventrally, it is pinkish white. The rostral is spatulate, but not upturned. The iris of the eye is black.
Behavior
R. iglesiasi is terrestrial.
Diet
R. iglesiasi preys predominately upon lizards.
Reproduction
R. iglesiasi is oviparous. Clutch size is small, usually only two eggs.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Gomes' Pampas Snake
- Is the Gomes' Pampas Snake venomous?
- No. The Gomes' Pampas Snake (Rodriguesophis iglesiasi) 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 Gomes' Pampas Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Gomes' Pampas Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Gomes' Pampas Snake dangerous?
- The Gomes' Pampas Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Gomes' Pampas Snake live?
- The Gomes' Pampas Snake has verified records in 1 country, including Brazil. See the distribution section below for its full range.
- What does the Gomes' Pampas Snake eat?
- R. iglesiasi preys predominately upon lizards.
- Why is it called the Gomes' Pampas Snake?
- The specific name, iglesias, is in honor of Brazilian zoologist Francisco Iglesias.
Where it is found
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
- Rodriguesophis
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Rodriguesophis iglesiasi
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.