Ranomafana Big-headed Snake

About the Ranomafana Big-headed Snake

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Ranomafana Big-headed Snake

Is the Ranomafana Big-headed Snake venomous?

No. The Ranomafana Big-headed Snake (Compsophis laphystius) 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 Ranomafana Big-headed Snake poisonous?

Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Ranomafana Big-headed Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.

Is the Ranomafana Big-headed Snake dangerous?

The Ranomafana Big-headed Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.

Where does the Ranomafana Big-headed Snake live?

The Ranomafana Big-headed Snake has verified records in 1 country, including Madagascar. See the distribution section below for its full range.

What does the Ranomafana Big-headed Snake eat?

C. laphystius preys upon frogs.

Where it is found

More Pseudoxyrhophiidae snakes

• 
  Lined Forest Snake
  Compsophis infralineatus
• 
  Boulenger's Forest Snake
  Compsophis boulengeri
• 
  Common Slug-eater
  Duberria lutrix
• 
  Common Madagascar Cat Snake
  Madagascarophis colubrinus
• 
  Giant Madagascan Hognose Snake
  Leioheterodon madagascariensis
• No photo
  Andasibe Big-headed Snake
  Compsophis vinckei
• No photo
  White-bellied Big-headed Snake
  Compsophis albiventris
• No photo
  Fianarantsoa Big-headed Snake
  Compsophis zeny

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

Pseudoxyrhophiidae

GenusA close-knit group of very similar species

Compsophis

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

Compsophis laphystius

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.