Lovi’s Reed Snake

About the Lovi’s Reed Snake

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Lovi’s Reed Snake

Is the Lovi’s Reed Snake venomous?

No. The Lovi’s Reed Snake (Calamaria lovii) 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 Lovi’s Reed Snake poisonous?

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

Is the Lovi’s Reed Snake dangerous?

The Lovi’s Reed Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.

Where does the Lovi’s Reed Snake live?

The Lovi’s Reed Snake has verified records in 3 countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore. See the distribution section below for its full range.

Why is it called the Lovi’s Reed Snake?

The specific name, lovii, is in honor of British colonial administrator Hugh Brooke Low, who was an amateur naturalist.

Where it is found

More Colubridae snakes

• 
  Pink-headed Reed Snake
  Calamaria schlegeli
• 
  Collared Reed Snake
  Calamaria pavimentata
• 
  Northern Reed Snake
  Calamaria septentrionalis
• 
  Variable Reed Snake
  Calamaria lumbricoidea
• 
  Schmidt's Reed Snake
  Calamaria schmidti
• 
  Gervais' Worm Snake
  Calamaria gervaisii
• 
  Lined Reed Snake
  Calamaria griswoldi
• 
  Linne's Dwarf Snake
  Calamaria linnaei

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

Calamaria

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

Calamaria lovii

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.