Mexican Patchnose Snake

About the Mexican Patchnose Snake

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Mexican Patchnose Snake

Is the Mexican Patchnose Snake venomous?

No. The Mexican Patchnose Snake (Salvadora mexicana) 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 Mexican Patchnose Snake poisonous?

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

Is the Mexican Patchnose Snake dangerous?

The Mexican Patchnose Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.

Where does the Mexican Patchnose Snake live?

The Mexican Patchnose Snake has verified records in 2 countries, including Mexico, United States of America. See the distribution section below for its full range.

How do I identify the Mexican Patchnose Snake?

Slender with a bold longitudinal stripe and a large scale over the snout.

How big does the Mexican Patchnose Snake get?

Slender, 2–4 ft.

Where it is found

More Colubridae snakes

• 
  Western Patch-nosed Snake
  Salvadora hexalepis
• 
  Texas Patch-nosed Snake
  Salvadora lineata
• 
  Mountain Patch-nosed Snake
  Salvadora grahamiae
• 
  Big Bend Patch-nosed Snake
  Salvadora deserticola
• 
  Baird's Patchnose Snake
  Salvadora bairdi
• 
  Pacific Patchnose Snake
  Salvadora lemniscata
• 
  Oaxacan Patchnose Snake
  Salvadora intermedia
• 
  Salvadora gymnorhachis
  Salvadora gymnorhachis

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

Salvadora

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

Salvadora mexicana

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.