Uropeltidae
Two-lined Black Earth Snake
HarmlessMelanophidium bilineatum
The Two-lined Black Earth Snake (Melanophidium bilineatum) is a non-venomous snake in the Uropeltidae family, recorded in 1 country.
- Family
- Uropeltidae
About the Two-lined Black Earth Snake
Melanophidium bilineatum, commonly known as the two-lined black shield-tail snake or iridescent shield-tail snake, is a species of snake endemic to India. This species was known from only three specimens and very little information is available of it in the wild.
Geographic range
It is found in Wayanad, Kannur, Malappuram districts of Kerala which is situated in the Western Ghats in southern India. The species was described from the specimens obtained by Richard Henry Beddome from near the summit of the Periya peak in Wayanad, at an elevation of about 5,000 feet and also at a similar elevation on the Tirrhioot peak (West of Manatoddy according to M. A. Smith 1943).
Description
The diameter of eye one-fourth the length of the ocular shield, and the ventrals a little broader, twice as broad as the adjacent scales: ventrals 188–200; caudals 15–17. Tail as in the young of Melanophidium punctatum. Iridescent black above and below; the two colours separated by a broad, yellow stripe along scale row 2 and the adjacent halves of rows 1 and 3; it may or may not have a series of small black dots.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Two-lined Black Earth Snake
- Is the Two-lined Black Earth Snake venomous?
- No. The Two-lined Black Earth Snake (Melanophidium bilineatum) 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 Two-lined Black Earth Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Two-lined Black Earth Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Two-lined Black Earth Snake dangerous?
- The Two-lined Black Earth Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Two-lined Black Earth Snake live?
- The Two-lined Black Earth Snake has verified records in 1 country, including India. See the distribution section below for its full range.
Where it is found
More Uropeltidae snakes
Khaire's black earth snakeMelanophidium khairei
Indian Black Earth SnakeMelanophidium wynaudense
Beddome's Black Earth SnakeMelanophidium punctatum
Bombay Earth SnakeUropeltis macrolepis
Phipson's ShieldtailUropeltis phipsonii
Elliot's Earth SnakeUropeltis ellioti
Nilgiri Burrowing SnakePlectrurus perroteti
Madurai ShieldtailPlatyplectrurus madurensis
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
- Uropeltidae
- GenusA close-knit group of very similar species
- Melanophidium
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Melanophidium bilineatum
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.