Santiago Racer

About the Santiago Racer

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Santiago Racer

Is the Santiago Racer venomous?

No. The Santiago Racer (Pseudalsophis hephaestus) 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 Santiago Racer poisonous?

Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Santiago Racer is neither poisonous nor venomous.

Is the Santiago Racer dangerous?

The Santiago Racer is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.

Where does the Santiago Racer live?

The Santiago Racer has verified records in 1 country, including Ecuador. See the distribution section below for its full range.

Where it is found

More Colubridae snakes

• 
  Fernandina Racer
  Pseudalsophis occidentalis
• 
  Painted Racer
  Pseudalsophis steindachneri
• 
  South American Elegant Racer
  Pseudalsophis elegans
• 
  Santa Cruz Racer
  Pseudalsophis dorsalis
• 
  Galápagos Racer
  Pseudalsophis biserialis
• 
  Darwin's Racer
  Pseudalsophis darwini
• 
  Española Racer
  Pseudalsophis hoodensis
• 
  Thomas's Racer
  Pseudalsophis thomasi

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

Pseudalsophis

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

Pseudalsophis hephaestus

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.