Homalopsidae
Rice Paddy Snake
HarmlessHypsiscopus plumbeus
6 photographs of the Rice Paddy Snake. © Samuel GUIRAUDOU.
The Rice Paddy Snake (Hypsiscopus plumbeus) is a non-venomous snake in the Homalopsidae family, recorded in 13 countries.
- Family
- Homalopsidae
About the Rice Paddy Snake
The rice paddy snake (Hypsiscopus plumbea), also known as grey water snake, Boie's mud snake, yellow or orange bellied water snake, lead water snake or plumbeous water snake is a species of non - venomous, rear-fanged snake endemic to South Asia. It is somewhat common, and is one of the most widespread species of water snake in Asia.
Taxonomy
The species epithet, plumbea, means 'lead-like' and refers to the snake's greyish upper body.
DNA evidence suggests that this taxon might be a species complex.
Description
The rice paddy snake is a relatively small snake, reaching a total length (including tail) of up to 72 cm (28 in), although sources vary. This snake feeds readily on small fish, frogs, and occasionally small lizards. It has countershading coloration, which is dark brown to grey in the upper part of its body, and light colored white to yellowish color at the bottom of its body. In some populations, the upper part may be greenish, and dark spots along the vertebral line may also occur. It is mainly nocturnal.
Distribution and habitat
The rice paddy snake is found in the Andaman Islands (India), Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, southern China, and Taiwan.
The rice paddy snake is a common and abundant species associated with a variety of wet habitats.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Rice Paddy Snake
- Is the Rice Paddy Snake venomous?
- No. The Rice Paddy Snake (Hypsiscopus plumbeus) 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 Rice Paddy Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Rice Paddy Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Rice Paddy Snake dangerous?
- The Rice Paddy Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Rice Paddy Snake live?
- The Rice Paddy Snake has verified records in 13 countries, including Chinese Taipei, China, Thailand. See the distribution section below for its full range.
Where it is found
More Homalopsidae snakes
Murphy's Mud SnakeHypsiscopus murphyi
Hypsiscopus wettsteiniHypsiscopus wettsteini
Matana Mud SnakeHypsiscopus matannensis
Hypsiscopus indonesiensisHypsiscopus indonesiensis
Southeast Asian BockadamCerberus schneiderii
Puff-faced Water SnakeHomalopsis buccata
Rainbow Mud SnakeEnhydris enhydris
Chinese Water SnakeMyrrophis chinensis
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
- Homalopsidae
- GenusA close-knit group of very similar species
- Hypsiscopus
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Hypsiscopus plumbeus
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.