Colubridae
Guianan Green Snake
HarmlessXenodon werneri



3 photographs of the Guianan Green Snake. © Guillaume Delaitre.
The Guianan Green Snake (Xenodon werneri) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 4 countries.
- Family
- Colubridae
About the Guianan Green Snake
Xenodon werneri is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. It is found in Brazil and French Guiana.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Guianan Green Snake
- Is the Guianan Green Snake venomous?
- No. The Guianan Green Snake (Xenodon werneri) 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 Guianan Green Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Guianan Green Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Guianan Green Snake dangerous?
- The Guianan Green Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Guianan Green Snake live?
- The Guianan Green Snake has verified records in 4 countries, including French Guiana, Suriname, Brazil. See the distribution section below for its full range.
Where it is found
More Colubridae snakes
Wagler's SnakeXenodon merremii
Neuwied's False Fer-de-lanceXenodon neuwiedii
False Fer-de-lanceXenodon rabdocephalus
South American Hognose SnakeXenodon dorbignyi
Banded Hognose SnakeXenodon pulcher
Ringed Hognose SnakeXenodon semicinctus
Amazon False Fer-de-lanceXenodon severus
Günther's False Fer-de-lanceXenodon guentheri
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
- Xenodon
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Xenodon werneri
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.