Colubridae
Neuwied's Tree Snake
HarmlessDipsas neuwiedi
6 photographs of the Neuwied's Tree Snake. © Lauro Moura.
The Neuwied's Tree Snake (Dipsas neuwiedi) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 2 countries.
- Family
- Colubridae
About the Neuwied's Tree Snake
Dipsas neuwiedi, also known commonly as Neuwied's tree snake and dormideira-cinzenta (gray sleepyhead) in Brazilian Portuguese, is a species of snake in the subfamily Dipsadinae of the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to Brazil.
Etymology
The specific name, neuwiedi, is in honor of German naturalist Prince Maximilian of Wied-Neuwied.
Description
A medium-sized species of snake, Dipsas neuwiedi may attain a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of 66 cm (26 in).
Geographic distribution
Dipsas neuwiedi is found in southeastern Brazil.
Habitat
The preferred natural habitats of Dipsas neuwiedi are forest and savanna, at elevations from sea level to 1,450 m (4,760 ft).
Behavior
Dipsas neuwiedi is arboreal and nocturnal.
Diet
Dipsas neuwiedi preys upon snails and slugs.
Reproduction
Dipsas neuwiedi is oviparous. Clutch size is about eight eggs.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Neuwied's Tree Snake
- Is the Neuwied's Tree Snake venomous?
- No. The Neuwied's Tree Snake (Dipsas neuwiedi) 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 Tree Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Neuwied's Tree Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Neuwied's Tree Snake dangerous?
- The Neuwied's Tree Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Neuwied's Tree Snake live?
- The Neuwied's Tree Snake has verified records in 2 countries, including Brazil, Uruguay. See the distribution section below for its full range.
- What does the Neuwied's Tree Snake eat?
- Dipsas neuwiedi preys upon snails and slugs.
- Why is it called the Neuwied's Tree Snake?
- The specific name, neuwiedi, 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
- Dipsas
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Dipsas neuwiedi
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.