Colubridae
Neuwied's False Fer-de-lance
HarmlessXenodon neuwiedii






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
Wagler's SnakeXenodon merremii
False Fer-de-lanceXenodon rabdocephalus
South American Hognose SnakeXenodon dorbignyi
Banded Hognose SnakeXenodon pulcher
Ringed Hognose SnakeXenodon semicinctus
Amazon False Fer-de-lanceXenodon severus
Guianan Green SnakeXenodon werneri
Günther's False Fer-de-lanceXenodon guentheri
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
- 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.