Is the Roth's Dwarf Snake venomous?

No. The Roth's Dwarf Snake (Eirenis rothii) 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 Roth's Dwarf Snake poisonous?

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

Is the Roth's Dwarf Snake dangerous?

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

Where does the Roth's Dwarf Snake live?

The Roth's Dwarf Snake has verified records in 6 countries, including Israel, Jordan, Syrian Arab Republic. See the distribution section below for its full range.

Colubridae

Roth's Dwarf Snake

Harmless

Eirenis rothii

Roth's Dwarf Snake — Eirenis rothii, © NoahM

5 photographs of the Roth's Dwarf Snake. © NoahM.

The Roth's Dwarf Snake (Eirenis rothii) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 6 countries.

Family: Colubridae

About the Roth's Dwarf Snake

Eirenis rothii, known commonly as Roth's dwarf racer, is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to the Middle East.

Etymology

The specific name, rothii, is in honor of German naturalist Johannes Rudolph Roth (1814–1858).

Geographic range

E. rothii is found in Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey. It may also occur in Iraq.

Habitat

The natural habitat of E. rothii is shrubland, at altitudes of 0–1,500 m (0–4,921 ft).

Description

A small snake, E. rothii may attain a total length of 30 cm (12 in), which includes a tail 5.5 cm (2.2 in) long. The top of the head and neck are black, with three or four transverse yellow lines. The black on the neck descends to include the sides of the throat. The body is brownish yellow dorsally, and white ventrally. The dorsal scales are in 15 rows at midbody.

Reproduction

E. rothii is oviparous.

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Roth's Dwarf Snake

Is the Roth's Dwarf Snake venomous?: No. The Roth's Dwarf Snake (Eirenis rothii) 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 Roth's Dwarf Snake poisonous?: Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Roth's Dwarf Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
Is the Roth's Dwarf Snake dangerous?: The Roth's Dwarf Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
Where does the Roth's Dwarf Snake live?: The Roth's Dwarf Snake has verified records in 6 countries, including Israel, Jordan, Syrian Arab Republic. See the distribution section below for its full range.
Why is it called the Roth's Dwarf Snake?: The specific name, rothii, is in honor of German naturalist Johannes Rudolph Roth (1814–1858).

Where it is found

Israel Jordan Syrian Arab Republic Palestine, State of Türkiye Lebanon

More Colubridae snakes

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

Keep learning

Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.