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Colubridae

Neuwied's False Fer-de-lance

Harmless

Xenodon neuwiedii

Neuwied's False Fer-de-lance
Xenodon neuwiedii, © Guilherme Thielen
Neuwied's False Fer-de-lanceNeuwied's False Fer-de-lanceNeuwied's False Fer-de-lanceNeuwied's False Fer-de-lanceNeuwied's False Fer-de-lance

6 photographs of the Neuwied's False Fer-de-lance. © Guilherme Thielen.

The Neuwied's False Fer-de-lance (Xenodon neuwiedii) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 4 countries.

Family
Colubridae

About the Neuwied's False Fer-de-lance

Xenodon neuwiedii, also known commonly as Neuwied's false fer-de-lance, is a species of snake in the subfamily Dipsadinae of the family Colubridae. The species is native to eastern central South America.

Etymology

The specific name, neuwiedii, is in honor of German naturalist Prince Maximilian of Wied-Neuwied.

Geographic distribution

Xenodon neuwiedii is found in extreme northeastern Argentina, southeastern Brazil, and southeastern Paraguay.

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of Xenodon neuwiedii is forest.

Behavior

Xenodon neuwiedii is terrestrial and diurnal.

Diet

Xenodon neuwiedii preys predominately upon toads, but also upon other frogs.

Reproduction

Xenodon neuwiedii is oviparous.

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Neuwied's False Fer-de-lance

Is the Neuwied's False Fer-de-lance venomous?
No. The Neuwied's False Fer-de-lance (Xenodon neuwiedii) 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 Neuwied's False Fer-de-lance poisonous?
Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Neuwied's False Fer-de-lance is neither poisonous nor venomous.
Is the Neuwied's False Fer-de-lance dangerous?
The Neuwied's False Fer-de-lance is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
Where does the Neuwied's False Fer-de-lance live?
The Neuwied's False Fer-de-lance has verified records in 4 countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay. See the distribution section below for its full range.
What does the Neuwied's False Fer-de-lance eat?
Xenodon neuwiedii preys predominately upon toads, but also upon other frogs.
Why is it called the Neuwied's False Fer-de-lance?
The specific name, neuwiedii, is in honor of German naturalist Prince Maximilian of Wied-Neuwied.

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

Keep learning

Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.