Colubridae
Hoffmann's Earth Snake
HarmlessGeophis hoffmanni
5 photographs of the Hoffmann's Earth Snake. © Danny Leon.
The Hoffmann's Earth Snake (Geophis hoffmanni) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 6 countries.
- Family
- Colubridae
About the Hoffmann's Earth Snake
Geophis hoffmanni, also known commonly as Hoffmann's earth snake, is a species of snake in the subfamily Dipsadinae of the family Colubridae. The species is native to Central America.
Etymology
The specific name, hoffmanni, is in honor of German naturalist Karl Hoffmann.
Geographic range
G. hoffmanni is found in Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama.
Habitat
The preferred natural habitat of G. hoffmanni is forest, at altitudes of 18–2,100 m (59–6,890 ft), but it is also found in disturbed areas such as farms and gardens.
Description
A small species of snake, the holotype of G. hoffmanni has a total length (including tail) of 24.5 cm (9.6 in) (W. Peters, 1859). The dorsal scales are arranged in 15 rows throughout the length of the body. There are five or fewer upper labials, and the posterior chin shields contact each other. The ventrals number 114–131, and the subcaudals number 23–32. Adults are uniformly dark brown or black dorsally, and are white or cream-colored ventrally. Juveniles have a paler nuchal collar.
Behavior
G. hoffmanni is terrestrial and secretive, sheltering under logs and rocks.
Reproduction
G. hoffmanni is oviparous.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Hoffmann's Earth Snake
- Is the Hoffmann's Earth Snake venomous?
- No. The Hoffmann's Earth Snake (Geophis hoffmanni) 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 Hoffmann's Earth Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Hoffmann's Earth Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Hoffmann's Earth Snake dangerous?
- The Hoffmann's Earth Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Hoffmann's Earth Snake live?
- The Hoffmann's Earth Snake has verified records in 6 countries, including Costa Rica, Honduras, Panama. See the distribution section below for its full range.
- Why is it called the Hoffmann's Earth Snake?
- The specific name, hoffmanni, is in honor of German naturalist Karl Hoffmann.
Where it is found
More Colubridae snakes
Terrestrial Snail SuckerGeophis sartorii
Coral Earth SnakeGeophis semidoliatus
Gray Earth SnakeGeophis brachycephalus
Pygmy Snail SuckerGeophis sanniolus
Potosí Earth SnakeGeophis latifrontalis
Highland Earth SnakeGeophis mutitorques
Rosebelly Earth SnakeGeophis rhodogaster
Dugès' Earth SnakeGeophis dugesii
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
- Geophis
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Geophis hoffmanni
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.