Mousehole Snake

About the Mousehole Snake

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Mousehole Snake

Is the Mousehole Snake venomous?

The Mousehole Snake (Philodryas trilineata) is rear-fanged and only mildly venomous. It is not considered dangerous to humans (its venom is weak and its fangs sit at the back of the mouth) but a bite can cause local swelling or irritation, so it should not be handled.

Is the Mousehole Snake poisonous?

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

Is the Mousehole Snake dangerous?

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

Where does the Mousehole Snake live?

The Mousehole Snake has verified records in 1 country, including Argentina. See the distribution section below for its full range.

Where it is found

More Colubridae snakes

• 
  Patagonian Racer
  Philodryas patagoniensis
• 
  Chilean Green Racer
  Philodryas chamissonis
• 
  Lichtenstein's Green Racer
  Philodryas olfersii
• 
  Paraguay Green Racer
  Philodryas nattereri
• 
  Brazilian Green Racer
  Philodryas aestiva
• 
  Günther's Green Racer
  Philodryas psammophidea
• 
  Scorpion Snake
  Philodryas agassizii
• 
  Jan's Green Racer
  Philodryas varia

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

Philodryas

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

Philodryas trilineata

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.