Homalopsidae
Richardson's Mangrove Snake
HarmlessMyron richardsonii
3 photographs of the Richardson's Mangrove Snake. (c) Nick Volpe, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC).
The Richardson's Mangrove Snake (Myron richardsonii) is a non-venomous snake in the Homalopsidae family, recorded in 3 countries.
- Family
- Homalopsidae
About the Richardson's Mangrove Snake
Myron richardsonii, also known as Richardson's mangrove snake, is a species of venomous homalopsid snake native to the marine waters of eastern Indonesia and northern Australia. The specific epithet richardsonii honours Sir John Richardson, collector of the original specimen.
Description
The snake grows to an average of about 40 cm in length, and to a maximum of 60 cm.
Behaviour
The species is viviparous, with an average litter size of six. It feeds on fishes.
Distribution and habitat
The species’ distribution encompasses the coasts around the Arafura Sea, including the Aru Islands and southern New Guinea as well as northern Australia from the Kimberley eastwards to the Gulf of Carpentaria. Habitat includes coasts, estuaries and tidal rivers.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Richardson's Mangrove Snake
- Is the Richardson's Mangrove Snake venomous?
- No. The Richardson's Mangrove Snake (Myron richardsonii) 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 Richardson's Mangrove Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Richardson's Mangrove Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Richardson's Mangrove Snake dangerous?
- The Richardson's Mangrove Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Richardson's Mangrove Snake live?
- The Richardson's Mangrove Snake has verified records in 3 countries, including Australia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia. See the distribution section below for its full range.
Where it is found
More Homalopsidae snakes
Broome Mangrove SnakeMyron resetari
Southeast Asian BockadamCerberus schneiderii
Puff-faced Water SnakeHomalopsis buccata
Rainbow Mud SnakeEnhydris enhydris
Murphy's Mud SnakeHypsiscopus murphyi
Rice Paddy SnakeHypsiscopus plumbeus
Chinese Water SnakeMyrrophis chinensis
Jack's Water SnakeHomalopsis mereljcoxi
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
- Myron
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Myron richardsonii
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.