Xenodermidae
Ha Giang Odd-scaled Snake
HarmlessAchalinus zugorum
The Ha Giang Odd-scaled Snake (Achalinus zugorum) is a non-venomous snake in the Xenodermidae family, recorded in 2 countries.
- Family
- Xenodermidae
About the Ha Giang Odd-scaled Snake
Achalinus zugorum is a species of snake in the family Xenodermidae. The species, which was described in 2020 from Ha Giang Province, Vietnam, was discovered by Aryeh H. Miller. It is dark in color or iridescent, with scales morphing from blues to greens. It is named for George R. and Patricia B. Zug. Accordingly, the common name Zugs' odd-scaled snake has been coined for this species.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Ha Giang Odd-scaled Snake
- Is the Ha Giang Odd-scaled Snake venomous?
- No. The Ha Giang Odd-scaled Snake (Achalinus zugorum) 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 Ha Giang Odd-scaled Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Ha Giang Odd-scaled Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Ha Giang Odd-scaled Snake dangerous?
- The Ha Giang Odd-scaled Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Ha Giang Odd-scaled Snake live?
- The Ha Giang Odd-scaled Snake has verified records in 2 countries, including Viet Nam, China. See the distribution section below for its full range.
Where it is found
More Xenodermidae snakes
Boulenger's Odd-scaled SnakeAchalinus rufescens
Black Odd-scaled SnakeAchalinus niger
Huang's odd-scaled snakeAchalinus huangjietangi
Peters' Odd-scaled SnakeAchalinus spinalis
Formosa Odd-scaled SnakeAchalinus formosanus
Achalinus ningshanensisAchalinus ningshanensis
Amami Takachiho SnakeAchalinus werneri
Achalinus dehuaensisAchalinus dehuaensis
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
- Xenodermidae
- GenusA close-knit group of very similar species
- Achalinus
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Achalinus zugorum
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.