Colubridae
Sichuan Mountain Keelback
HarmlessOpisthotropis latouchii
The Sichuan Mountain Keelback (Opisthotropis latouchii) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 1 country.
- Family
- Colubridae
About the Sichuan Mountain Keelback
Opisthotropis latouchii, also known commonly as the Sichuan mountain keelback, is a species of snake in the subfamily Natricinae of the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to China.
Etymology
O. latouchii is named after French-born Irish naturalist John David Digues La Touche, who worked in China as a customs inspector for many years.
Geographic range
O. latouchii is found in southeastern China.
Habitat
The preferred natural habitat of O. latouchii is freshwater streams, but it is also found in rice paddies and irrigation ditches.
Behavior
O. latouchii is nocturnal.
Diet
O. latouchii preys upon aquatic worms, earthworms, freshwater shrimp, fishes, tadpoles, and frogs.
Reproduction
O. latouchii is oviparous. In Fujian adult females lay eggs in August.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Sichuan Mountain Keelback
- Is the Sichuan Mountain Keelback venomous?
- No. The Sichuan Mountain Keelback (Opisthotropis latouchii) 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 Sichuan Mountain Keelback poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Sichuan Mountain Keelback is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Sichuan Mountain Keelback dangerous?
- The Sichuan Mountain Keelback is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Sichuan Mountain Keelback live?
- The Sichuan Mountain Keelback has verified records in 1 country, including China. See the distribution section below for its full range.
- What does the Sichuan Mountain Keelback eat?
- O. latouchii preys upon aquatic worms, earthworms, freshwater shrimp, fishes, tadpoles, and frogs.
- Why is it called the Sichuan Mountain Keelback?
- O. latouchii is named after French-born Irish naturalist John David Digues La Touche, who worked in China as a customs inspector for many years.
Where it is found
More Colubridae snakes
Anderson's Mountain KeelbackOpisthotropis andersonii
Striped Stream SnakeOpisthotropis kuatunensis
Bicoloured Stream SnakeOpisthotropis lateralis
Opisthotropis cheniOpisthotropis cheni
Olive Mountain KeelbackOpisthotropis typica
Opisthotropis hungtaiOpisthotropis hungtai
Opisthotropis lauiOpisthotropis laui
Shenzhen Mountain Stream SnakeOpisthotropis shenzhenensis
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
- Opisthotropis
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Opisthotropis latouchii
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.
Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.