Colubridae
Mud Snake
HarmlessHydrops caesurus
The Mud Snake (Hydrops caesurus) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 3 countries.
- Family
- Colubridae
About the Mud Snake
Hydrops caesurus is a species of snake in the subfamily Dipsadinae of the family Colubridae. The species is native to central South America.
Description
Unlike other species in its genus, Hydrops caesurus does not have dark rings that are complete across its dorsum, but instead it has dark dorsal spots. It has a cream-colored spot on the sixth upper labial. Its dorsal scales are arranged in 15 rows at midbody.
Geographic distribution
Hydrops caesurus is found in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Habitat
The preferred natural habitat of Hydrops caesurus is freshwater wetlands.
Behavior
Hydrops caesurus is aquatic, and can be found in both flowing and still waters.
Reproduction
Hydrops caesurus is oviparous.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Mud Snake
- Is the Mud Snake venomous?
- No. The Mud Snake (Hydrops caesurus) 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 Mud Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Mud Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Mud Snake dangerous?
- The Mud Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Mud Snake live?
- The Mud Snake has verified records in 3 countries, including Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina. See the distribution section below for its full range.
Where it is found
More Colubridae 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
- Colubridae
- GenusA close-knit group of very similar species
- Hydrops
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Hydrops caesurus
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.