Pareidae
Hampton's Slug Snake
HarmlessPareas hamptoni
The Hampton's Slug Snake (Pareas hamptoni) is a non-venomous snake in the Pareidae family, recorded in 5 countries.
- Family
- Pareidae
About the Hampton's Slug Snake
Pareas hamptoni, also known commonly as Hampton's slug snake, is a species of snake in the family Pareidae. The species is native to Southeast Asia.
Etymology
The specific name, hamptoni, is in honor of Herbert Hampton, collector of the holotype.
Geographic range
P. hamptoni is found in Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Habitat
The preferred natural habitat of P. hamptoni is forest, at altitudes of 600–1,500 m (2,000–4,900 ft).
Behavior
P. hamptoni is arboreal, and it is both diurnal and nocturnal.
Diet
P. hamptoni preys upon slugs.
Reproduction
P. hamptoni is oviparous.
Original publication
Boulenger GA (1905). "Descriptions of Two New Snakes from Upper Burma". Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 16: 235–236. (Amblycephalus hamptoni, new species, p. 236 + Figure 2, five views). (archive.org).
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Hampton's Slug Snake
- Is the Hampton's Slug Snake venomous?
- No. The Hampton's Slug Snake (Pareas hamptoni) 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 Hampton's Slug Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Hampton's Slug Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Hampton's Slug Snake dangerous?
- The Hampton's Slug Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Hampton's Slug Snake live?
- The Hampton's Slug Snake has verified records in 5 countries, including Viet Nam, China, Lao People’s Democratic Republic. See the distribution section below for its full range.
- What does the Hampton's Slug Snake eat?
- P. hamptoni preys upon slugs.
- Why is it called the Hampton's Slug Snake?
- The specific name, hamptoni, is in honor of Herbert Hampton, collector of the holotype.
Where it is found
More Pareidae snakes
Classification
How scientists group this snake, from the broadest category down to the exact species. Each step narrows to its closest relatives.
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.