Colubridae
Heath's Tropical Racer
HarmlessMastigodryas heathii
2 photographs of the Heath's Tropical Racer. © Zac Peterson.
The Heath's Tropical Racer (Mastigodryas heathii) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 2 countries.
- Family
- Colubridae
About the Heath's Tropical Racer
Mastigodryas heathii, also known commonly as Heath's tropical racer, is a species of snake in the subfamily Colubrinae of the family Colubridae. The species is native to northwestern South America.
Etymology
The specific name, heathii, is in honor of American physician Edwin Ruthven Heath (1839–1932), who collected herpetological specimens in South America.
Geographic range
M. heathii is found in Ecuador and Peru
Habitat
The preferred natural habitats of M. heathii are desert and forest, at altitudes from sea level to 2,620 m (8,600 ft), and it is also found in cultivated areas.
Diet
M. heathii preys upon frogs, lizards, and rodents.
Reproduction
M. heathi is oviparous.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Heath's Tropical Racer
- Is the Heath's Tropical Racer venomous?
- No. The Heath's Tropical Racer (Mastigodryas heathii) 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 Heath's Tropical Racer poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Heath's Tropical Racer is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Heath's Tropical Racer dangerous?
- The Heath's Tropical Racer is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Heath's Tropical Racer live?
- The Heath's Tropical Racer has verified records in 2 countries, including Peru, Ecuador. See the distribution section below for its full range.
- What does the Heath's Tropical Racer eat?
- M. heathii preys upon frogs, lizards, and rodents.
- Why is it called the Heath's Tropical Racer?
- The specific name, heathii, is in honor of American physician Edwin Ruthven Heath (1839–1932), who collected herpetological specimens in South America.
Where it is found
More Colubridae snakes
Salmon-bellied RacerMastigodryas melanolomus
Boddaert's Tropical RacerMastigodryas boddaerti
Plee's Tropical RacerMastigodryas pleii
Central American Lizard EaterMastigodryas alternatus
Daniel's Tropical RacerMastigodryas danieli
Cope's Tropical RacerMastigodryas pulchriceps
Mastigodryas reticulatusMastigodryas reticulatus
Striped Lizard EaterMastigodryas dorsalis
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
- Mastigodryas
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Mastigodryas heathii
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.