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Colubridae

Spirit Diminutive Snake

Harmless

Psomophis genimaculatus

Spirit Diminutive Snake
Psomophis genimaculatus, © Kane Sandoval
Spirit Diminutive SnakeSpirit Diminutive SnakeSpirit Diminutive SnakeSpirit Diminutive SnakeSpirit Diminutive Snake

6 photographs of the Spirit Diminutive Snake. © Kane Sandoval.

The Spirit Diminutive Snake (Psomophis genimaculatus) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 4 countries.

Family
Colubridae

About the Spirit Diminutive Snake

Psomophis genimaculatus, also known commonly as the spirit diminutive snake, the spirit ground snake, and cobra-cabelo in Brazilian Portuguese, is a species of snake in the subfamily Dipsadinae of the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to South America.

Geographic range

P. genimaculatus is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay.

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Spirit Diminutive Snake

Is the Spirit Diminutive Snake venomous?
No. The Spirit Diminutive Snake (Psomophis genimaculatus) 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 Spirit Diminutive Snake poisonous?
Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Spirit Diminutive Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
Is the Spirit Diminutive Snake dangerous?
The Spirit Diminutive Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
Where does the Spirit Diminutive Snake live?
The Spirit Diminutive Snake has verified records in 4 countries, including Brazil, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Paraguay. See the distribution section below for its full range.

Where it is found

More Colubridae snakes

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

Keep learning

Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.