Is the Phalotris mertensi venomous?

The Phalotris mertensi is rear-fanged and only mildly venomous. It is not considered dangerous to humans (its venom is weak and its fangs sit at the back of the mouth) but a bite can cause local swelling or irritation, so it should not be handled.

Is the Phalotris mertensi poisonous?

Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Phalotris mertensi is neither poisonous nor venomous.

Is the Phalotris mertensi dangerous?

The Phalotris mertensi is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.

Where does the Phalotris mertensi live?

The Phalotris mertensi has verified records in 1 country, including Brazil. See the distribution section below for its full range.

Colubridae

Phalotris mertensi

Harmless

This species has no widely used English common name.

2 photographs of the Phalotris mertensi. (c) Rafael Rosa, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA).

Phalotris mertensi is a rear-fanged, mildly venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 1 country.

Family: Colubridae

About the Phalotris mertensi

Phalotris mertensi is a species of snake in the subfamily Dipsadinae of the family Colubridae. The species is native to central eastern South America.

Etymology

The specific name, mertensi, is in honor of German herpetologist Robert Mertens.

Geographic distribution

Phalotris mertensi is found in southeastern Brazil, in the Brazilian states of Goiás, Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraná, and São Paulo. It is also found in eastern Paraguay.

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of Phalotris mertensi is savanna.

Description

A medium-sized species of snake, Phalotris mertensi may attain a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of 1.26 m (4.1 ft). Males reach sexual maturity at 48 cm (19 in) SVL, and females at 51 cm (20 in).

Behavior

Phalotris mertensi is fossorial, and it is both diurnal and nocturnal.

Diet

Phalotris mertensi preys upon caecilians.

Reproduction

Phalotris mertensi is oviparous. Clutch size is from three to seven eggs.

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Phalotris mertensi

Is the Phalotris mertensi venomous?: The Phalotris mertensi is rear-fanged and only mildly venomous. It is not considered dangerous to humans (its venom is weak and its fangs sit at the back of the mouth) but a bite can cause local swelling or irritation, so it should not be handled.
Is the Phalotris mertensi poisonous?: Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Phalotris mertensi is neither poisonous nor venomous.
Is the Phalotris mertensi dangerous?: The Phalotris mertensi is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
Where does the Phalotris mertensi live?: The Phalotris mertensi has verified records in 1 country, including Brazil. See the distribution section below for its full range.
What does the Phalotris mertensi eat?: Phalotris mertensi preys upon caecilians.

Where it is found

Brazil

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: Phalotris
SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name: Phalotris mertensi

Keep learning

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