Ruthven's Burrowing Snake

About the Ruthven's Burrowing Snake

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Ruthven's Burrowing Snake

Is the Ruthven's Burrowing Snake venomous?

No. The Ruthven's Burrowing Snake (Apostolepis tenuis) 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 Ruthven's Burrowing Snake poisonous?

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

Is the Ruthven's Burrowing Snake dangerous?

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

Where does the Ruthven's Burrowing Snake live?

The Ruthven's Burrowing Snake has verified records in 2 countries, including Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Brazil. See the distribution section below for its full range.

Where it is found

More Colubridae snakes

• 
  Reinhardt's Burrowing Snake
  Apostolepis assimilis
• 
  Gomes' Burrowing Snake
  Apostolepis cearensis
• 
  Variable Blackhead
  Apostolepis dimidiata
• 
  Tocantins Blackhead
  Apostolepis sanctaeritae
• 
  Guyana Burrowing Snake
  Apostolepis nigrolineata
• 
  Central Burrowing Snake
  Apostolepis flavotorquata
• 
  White Collared Blackhead
  Apostolepis albicollaris
• 
  Minacu Blackhead
  Apostolepis nelsonjorgei

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

Apostolepis

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

Apostolepis tenuis

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.