Transvaal Quill-snouted Snake

About the Transvaal Quill-snouted Snake

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Transvaal Quill-snouted Snake

Is the Transvaal Quill-snouted Snake venomous?

No. The Transvaal Quill-snouted Snake (Xenocalamus transvaalensis) 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 Transvaal Quill-snouted Snake poisonous?

Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Transvaal Quill-snouted Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.

Is the Transvaal Quill-snouted Snake dangerous?

The Transvaal Quill-snouted Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.

Where does the Transvaal Quill-snouted Snake live?

The Transvaal Quill-snouted Snake has verified records in 3 countries, including South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe. See the distribution section below for its full range.

Where it is found

More Atractaspididae snakes

• 
  Slender Quill-snouted Snake
  Xenocalamus bicolor
• 
  Elongate Quill-snouted Snake
  Xenocalamus mechowii
• 
  Cape Centipede-Eater
  Aparallactus capensis
• 
  Spotted Harlequin Snake
  Homoroselaps lacteus
• 
  Southern Stiletto Snake
  Atractaspis bibronii
• 
  Common Purple-glossed Snake
  Amblyodipsas polylepis
• 
  Natal Black Snake
  Macrelaps microlepidotus
• 
  Reticulated Centipede-Eater
  Aparallactus lunulatus

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

Atractaspididae

GenusA close-knit group of very similar species

Xenocalamus

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

Xenocalamus transvaalensis

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.