Colubridae
Puffing Snake
HarmlessPhrynonax poecilonotus
6 photographs of the Puffing Snake. © Tom Lawrence.
The Puffing Snake (Phrynonax poecilonotus) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 19 countries.
- Family
- Colubridae
About the Puffing Snake
Phrynonax poecilonotus is a species of nonvenomous snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to the New World.
Common names
P. poecilonotus is commonly known in Trinidad and Tobago as dos cocorite, in Brazil as papa-ovo, and in English as the puffing snake or the bird snake.
Geographic range
P. poecilonotus is found from Mexico through Central America to northern and central South America and Trinidad and Tobago.
Diet
P. poecilonotus apparently eats any terrestrial vertebrate small enough to handle and is well known as a predator of bird eggs (hence some of the common names). In captivity, they are known to enjoy scrambled eggs.
Description
P. poecilonotus is one of the most variable snakes in the world. For about the first year of their life, they look very dull in color, and look all the same upon hatching. During the first four years, the snake's appearance will change rapidly, from slate grey and yellow, to slate and orange, etc. Past the first four years of life, changes will be very slow, but they will still change in appearance. The snakes can be combinations of black with red, orange, yellow, and/or lavender, or slate and red, yellow, orange, and/or lavender. However, when handled, their behavior is similar, and they will readily bite.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Puffing Snake
- Is the Puffing Snake venomous?
- No. The Puffing Snake (Phrynonax poecilonotus) 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 Puffing Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Puffing Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Puffing Snake dangerous?
- The Puffing Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Puffing Snake live?
- The Puffing Snake has verified records in 19 countries, including Costa Rica, Brazil, Panama. See the distribution section below for its full range.
- What does the Puffing Snake eat?
- P. poecilonotus apparently eats any terrestrial vertebrate small enough to handle and is well known as a predator of bird eggs (hence some of the common names). In captivity, they are known to enjoy scrambled eggs.
- Why is it called the Puffing Snake?
- P. poecilonotus is commonly known in Trinidad and Tobago as dos cocorite, in Brazil as papa-ovo, and in English as the puffing snake or the bird snake.
Where it is found
More Colubridae snakes
Shropshire's Puffing SnakePhrynonax shropshirei
Common Garter SnakeThamnophis sirtalis
Common WatersnakeNerodia sipedon
Gopher SnakePituophis catenifer
DeKay's BrownsnakeStoreria dekayi
North American RacerColuber constrictor
Ring-necked SnakeDiadophis punctatus
Western Terrestrial Garter SnakeThamnophis elegans
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
- Phrynonax
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Phrynonax poecilonotus
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.