Ruspoli's Shovelsnout Snake

About the Ruspoli's Shovelsnout Snake

Field-guide summary compiled from taxonomy and verified occurrence records. Detailed natural-history notes for this species are still being added.

Frequently asked: Ruspoli's Shovelsnout Snake

Is the Ruspoli's Shovelsnout Snake venomous?

No. The Ruspoli's Shovelsnout Snake (Prosymna ruspolii) 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 Ruspoli's Shovelsnout Snake poisonous?

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

Is the Ruspoli's Shovelsnout Snake dangerous?

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

Where does the Ruspoli's Shovelsnout Snake live?

The Ruspoli's Shovelsnout Snake has verified records in 3 countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, United Republic of, Ethiopia. See the distribution section below for its full range.

Where it is found

More Prosymnidae snakes

• 
  East African Shovel-Snout
  Prosymna stuhlmanni
• 
  South African Shovel-snout
  Prosymna sundevalli
• 
  Lineolate Shovel-snout
  Prosymna lineata
• 
  Mozambique Shovel-snout
  Prosymna janii
• 
  Twin-striped Shovel-snout
  Prosymna bivittata
• 
  South-western African Shovel-snout
  Prosymna frontalis
• 
  Ghana Shovel-snout
  Prosymna meleagris
• 
  Angola Shovel-snout
  Prosymna angolensis

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

Prosymnidae

GenusA close-knit group of very similar species

Prosymna

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

Prosymna ruspolii

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.