Shreve's Keelback

About the Shreve's Keelback

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Shreve's Keelback

Is the Shreve's Keelback venomous?

No. The Shreve's Keelback (Helicops pastazae) 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 Shreve's Keelback poisonous?

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

Is the Shreve's Keelback dangerous?

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

Where does the Shreve's Keelback live?

The Shreve's Keelback has verified records in 5 countries, including Ecuador, Colombia, Peru. See the distribution section below for its full range.

Where it is found

More Colubridae snakes

• 
  Brown-banded watersnake
  Helicops angulatus
• 
  Leopard Keelback
  Helicops leopardinus
• 
  Brazilian Keelback
  Helicops infrataeniatus
• 
  Daniel's Keelback
  Helicops danieli
• 
  Wied's Keelback
  Helicops carinicaudus
• 
  Olive Keelback
  Helicops modestus
• 
  Norman's Keelback
  Helicops polylepis
• 
  Apiaká Keelback
  Helicops apiaka

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

Helicops

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

Helicops pastazae

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.