Colubridae
Narrow-striped Dwarf Snake
HarmlessEirenis decemlineatus
The Narrow-striped Dwarf Snake (Eirenis decemlineatus) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family.
- Family
- Colubridae
About the Narrow-striped Dwarf Snake
Eirenis decemlineatus, commonly known as the narrow-striped dwarf snake, is a non-venomous snake found in West Asia and the Middle East.
Description
Eirenis decemlineatus (Eirenis decemlineata) adults range from 45 to 90 cm in length.
Body is brown above, uniform or with two thin, dark stripes running the length of the body and tail. Lower parts uniform white. Two forms of the Narrow-striped dwarf snake may occur in the same habitat; one with longitudinal lines and the other with gray dorsum void of lines.
Distribution
This species found in Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Jordan extending to Iraq and Iran.
This species is found in sparsely vegetated rocky areas of pine and oak forest. It can also be found in orchards and rural gardens.
Feed
Feeds mainly on large insects, scorpions, spiders and centipedes.
Reproduction
Oviparous, the female lays eggs.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Narrow-striped Dwarf Snake
- Is the Narrow-striped Dwarf Snake venomous?
- No. The Narrow-striped Dwarf Snake (Eirenis decemlineatus) 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 Narrow-striped Dwarf Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Narrow-striped Dwarf Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Narrow-striped Dwarf Snake dangerous?
- The Narrow-striped Dwarf Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
More Colubridae snakes
Roth's Dwarf SnakeEirenis rothii
Ring-Headed Dwarf SnakeEirenis modestus
Collared Dwarf SnakeEirenis collaris
Levantine Dwarf SnakeEirenis levantinus
Dotted Dwarf SnakeEirenis punctatolineatus
Spotted Line Dwarf SnakeEirenis lineomaculatus
Crowned Dwarf RacerEirenis coronella
Dark-headed Dwarf RacerEirenis persicus
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
- Eirenis
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Eirenis decemlineatus
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.