Jan's Hognose Snake

About the Jan's Hognose Snake

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Jan's Hognose Snake

Is the Jan's Hognose Snake venomous?

No. The Jan's Hognose Snake (Xenodon histricus) 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 Jan's Hognose Snake poisonous?

Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Jan's Hognose Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.

Is the Jan's Hognose Snake dangerous?

The Jan's Hognose Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.

Where does the Jan's Hognose Snake live?

The Jan's Hognose Snake has verified records in 5 countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia (Plurinational State of). See the distribution section below for its full range.

Where it is found

More Colubridae snakes

• 
  Wagler's Snake
  Xenodon merremii
• 
  Neuwied's False Fer-de-lance
  Xenodon neuwiedii
• 
  False Fer-de-lance
  Xenodon rabdocephalus
• 
  South American Hognose Snake
  Xenodon dorbignyi
• 
  Banded Hognose Snake
  Xenodon pulcher
• 
  Ringed Hognose Snake
  Xenodon semicinctus
• 
  Amazon False Fer-de-lance
  Xenodon severus
• 
  Guianan Green Snake
  Xenodon werneri

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

Xenodon

SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name

Xenodon histricus

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.