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Homalopsidae

Kerala Mud Snake

Harmless

Dieurostus dussumieri

Kerala Mud Snake
Dieurostus dussumieri, © renjus box
Kerala Mud SnakeKerala Mud SnakeKerala Mud Snake

4 photographs of the Kerala Mud Snake. © renjus box.

The Kerala Mud Snake (Dieurostus dussumieri) is a non-venomous snake in the Homalopsidae family, recorded in 1 country.

Family
Homalopsidae

About the Kerala Mud Snake

Dieurostus is a genus of snake in the family Homalopsidae. The genus Dieurostus is monotypic, containing only the species Dieurostus dussumieri, commonly known as Dussumier's water snake, or the Kerala mud snake. The species, which is mildly venomous and rear-fanged, is endemic to Kerala, in southwestern India. It was formerly thought to be found in Bangladesh, although its distribution there is now disputed.

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Kerala Mud Snake

Is the Kerala Mud Snake venomous?
No. The Kerala Mud Snake (Dieurostus dussumieri) 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 Kerala Mud Snake poisonous?
Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Kerala Mud Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
Is the Kerala Mud Snake dangerous?
The Kerala Mud Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
Where does the Kerala Mud Snake live?
The Kerala Mud Snake has verified records in 1 country, including India. See the distribution section below for its full range.

Where it is found

More Homalopsidae snakes

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
Homalopsidae
GenusA close-knit group of very similar species
Dieurostus
SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
Dieurostus dussumieri

Keep learning

Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.