Pseudoxyrhophiidae
Madagascar Leaf-nosed Snake
HarmlessLangaha madagascariensis
6 photographs of the Madagascar Leaf-nosed Snake. © Samuel GUIRAUDOU.
The Madagascar Leaf-nosed Snake (Langaha madagascariensis) is a non-venomous snake in the Pseudoxyrhophiidae family, recorded in 2 countries.
- Family
- Pseudoxyrhophiidae
About the Madagascar Leaf-nosed Snake
Langaha madagascariensis (formerly Langaha nasuta, commonly known as the Madagascar or Malagasy leaf-nosed snake) is a medium-sized non-venomous highly cryptic arboreal species. It is endemic to Madagascar and found in deciduous dry forests and rain forests, often in vegetation 1.5 to 2 meters above the ground.
Description
Malagasy leaf-nosed snakes can grow up to 1 meter in length. There is considerable sexual dimorphism within the species; the males are dorsally brown and ventrally yellow with a long tapering snout, while the females are mottled grey with a flattened, leaf shaped snout. The function of their appendage is unknown, but obviously also serves as camouflage. They have unusually slender bodies and can be identified by their long, pointy snouts. Their diet is mainly made up of frogs and lizards. These snakes are known for their unusually high levels of sexual dimorphism.
It is largely a sit-and-wait predator. It may show curious resting behaviour, hanging straight down from a branch. Prey items include arboreal and terrestrial lizards.
It also exhibits hooding while stalking prey. These hooding and swaying behaviours along with its cryptic colour patterns, might allow L. madagascariensis to mimic a vine swaying in the wind.
Leaf-nosed snakes are oviparous with clutch sizes ranging from 5 to 11 eggs.
Malagasy leaf-nosed snakes are generally calm and reluctant to bite unless provoked.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Madagascar Leaf-nosed Snake
- Is the Madagascar Leaf-nosed Snake venomous?
- No. The Madagascar Leaf-nosed Snake (Langaha madagascariensis) 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 Madagascar Leaf-nosed Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Madagascar Leaf-nosed Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Madagascar Leaf-nosed Snake dangerous?
- The Madagascar Leaf-nosed Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Madagascar Leaf-nosed Snake live?
- The Madagascar Leaf-nosed Snake has verified records in 2 countries, including Madagascar, United States of America. See the distribution section below for its full range.
Where it is found
More Pseudoxyrhophiidae snakes
Common Slug-eaterDuberria lutrix
Common Madagascar Cat SnakeMadagascarophis colubrinus
Giant Madagascan Hognose SnakeLeioheterodon madagascariensis
Bernier's Striped SnakeDromicodryas bernieri
Lateral Water SnakeThamnosophis lateralis
Four-striped SnakeDromicodryas quadrilineatus
Blonde Hognose SnakeLeioheterodon modestus- No photoAmbilobe Leaf-nosed SnakeLangaha pseudoalluaudi
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
- Pseudoxyrhophiidae
- GenusA close-knit group of very similar species
- Langaha
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Langaha madagascariensis
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.