Lamprophiidae
Günther's Black Snake
HarmlessBothrolycus ater
2 photographs of the Günther's Black Snake. no rights reserved, uploaded by Marius Burger.
The Günther's Black Snake (Bothrolycus ater) is a non-venomous snake in the Lamprophiidae family, recorded in 8 countries.
- Family
- Lamprophiidae
About the Günther's Black Snake
Günther's black snake is a species of poorly known lamprophiid snake endemic to central Africa. It is the only member of the genus, Bothrolycus. This snake is notable as one of the few snakes with notable sexual dimorphism, as well as possessing a small pit anterior to the eye. While superficially similar to the thermal pits of vipers, its function remains unknown.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Günther's Black Snake
- Is the Günther's Black Snake venomous?
- No. The Günther's Black Snake (Bothrolycus ater) 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 Günther's Black Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Günther's Black Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Günther's Black Snake dangerous?
- The Günther's Black Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Günther's Black Snake live?
- The Günther's Black Snake has verified records in 8 countries, including Cameroon, Congo, Democratic Republic of the, Gabon. See the distribution section below for its full range.
Where it is found
More Lamprophiidae 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
- Lamprophiidae
- GenusA close-knit group of very similar species
- Bothrolycus
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Bothrolycus ater
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.