Colubridae
Pampas Snake
HarmlessTomodon dorsatus
6 photographs of the Pampas Snake. © Ryan Wanfredo Almeida.
The Pampas Snake (Tomodon dorsatus) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 4 countries.
- Family
- Colubridae
About the Pampas Snake
Tomodon is a monotypic genus of snake in the subfamily Dipsadinae of the family Colubridae. The genus contains the sole species Tomodon dorsatus, also known commonly as the pampas snake, which is endemic to South America.
Description
The eye of Tomodon dorsatus has a round pupil. The lining of the mouth is black. The last maxillary tooth is enlarged and grooved. There are seven upper labials. The smooth dorsal scales are arranged in 17 rows on the neck and at midbody, and reduced to 15 rows anterior to the cloaca.
Geographic distribution
Tomodon dorsatus is found in northeastern Argentina, central and southeastern Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Habitat
The preferred natural habitat of Tomodon dorsatus is forest.
Diet
Tomodon dorsatum preys exclusively upon molluscs.
Reproduction
The mode of reproduction of Tomodon dorsatus has been described as viviparous and as ovoviviparous.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Pampas Snake
- Is the Pampas Snake venomous?
- No. The Pampas Snake (Tomodon dorsatus) 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 Pampas Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Pampas Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Pampas Snake dangerous?
- The Pampas Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Pampas Snake live?
- The Pampas Snake has verified records in 4 countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay. See the distribution section below for its full range.
- What does the Pampas Snake eat?
- Tomodon dorsatum preys exclusively upon molluscs.
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
- Tomodon
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Tomodon dorsatus
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.