Pope's Keelback

About the Pope's Keelback

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Pope's Keelback

Is the Pope's Keelback venomous?

No. The Pope's Keelback (Hebius popei) 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 Pope's Keelback poisonous?

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

Is the Pope's Keelback dangerous?

The Pope's Keelback is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.

Where does the Pope's Keelback live?

The Pope's Keelback has verified records in 2 countries, including China, Viet Nam. See the distribution section below for its full range.

Why is it called the Pope's Keelback?

The specific name, popei, is in honor of American herpetologist Clifford H. Pope.

Where it is found

More Colubridae snakes

• 
  Japanese Keelback
  Hebius vibakari
• 
  Kosempo Keelback
  Hebius sauteri
• 
  Pryer's Keelback
  Hebius pryeri
• 
  Wynad Keelback
  Amphiesma monticola
• 
  Tai-yong Keelback
  Hebius boulengeri
• 
  Kuatun Keelback
  Hebius craspedogaster
• 
  Sabah Keelback
  Hebius flavifrons
• 
  Sarawak Keelback
  Hebius sarawacensis

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

Hebius

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

Hebius popei

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.