Is the Variable Burrowing Asp venomous?

Yes. The Variable Burrowing Asp (Atractaspis irregularis) is venomous and belongs to the Atractaspididae family (stiletto snake (burrowing asp)). Its bite is considered high risk to people. Treat any bite as a medical emergency.

Is the Variable Burrowing Asp poisonous?

Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Variable Burrowing Asp is venomous, delivering venom through a bite.

Where does the Variable Burrowing Asp live?

The Variable Burrowing Asp has verified records in 21 countries, including Congo, Democratic Republic of the, Uganda, Benin. See the distribution section below for its full range.

Atractaspididae

Variable Burrowing Asp

Venomous

Atractaspis irregularis

The Variable Burrowing Asp (Atractaspis irregularis) is a venomous snake in the Atractaspididae family, recorded in 21 countries.

If you are bitten

This is a venomous snake. Treat any bite as a medical emergency: stay calm, keep the bitten limb still and roughly level with the heart, remove rings and tight clothing, and get to emergency care immediately. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, apply ice, or try to suck out venom. Call your local emergency number or poison center.

Family: Atractaspididae
Danger: high

About the Variable Burrowing Asp

Atractaspis irregularis, or the variable burrowing asp, is a species of venomous snake in the family Atractaspididae. It is found in Africa.

Description

Atractaspis irregularis is completely dark brown or black. The snout is very short and rounded. The portion of the rostral visible from above measures 2⁄3 to 3⁄4 of its distance from the frontal. The frontal is as long as it is broad, and much longer than its distance from the end of the snout. The dorsal scales are in 25 or 27 rows, with ventral scales 220–257; anal divided; subcaudals 22–28 and divided.

Adults may attain a total length of 56 cm (22 in), with a tail 3.5 cm (1+3⁄8 in) long.

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Variable Burrowing Asp

Is the Variable Burrowing Asp venomous?: Yes. The Variable Burrowing Asp (Atractaspis irregularis) is venomous and belongs to the Atractaspididae family (stiletto snake (burrowing asp)). Its bite is considered high risk to people. Treat any bite as a medical emergency.
Is the Variable Burrowing Asp poisonous?: Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Variable Burrowing Asp is venomous, delivering venom through a bite.
Is the Variable Burrowing Asp dangerous?: This is a venomous snake. Treat any bite as a medical emergency: stay calm, keep the bitten limb still and roughly level with the heart, remove rings and tight clothing, and get to emergency care immediately. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, apply ice, or try to suck out venom. Call your local emergency number or poison center.
Where does the Variable Burrowing Asp live?: The Variable Burrowing Asp has verified records in 21 countries, including Congo, Democratic Republic of the, Uganda, Benin. See the distribution section below for its full range.

If you are bitten by the Variable Burrowing Asp

A venomous snakebite is a medical emergency. Call your local emergency number immediately. In the US, dial 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Get away from the snake and stay calm. Most bites worsen when people panic or try again to handle the snake.
Call 911 or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) right away. Antivenom works best when given early.
Note the time of the bite and, from a safe distance, the snake's color and pattern, a phone photo is enough. Do not chase it.
Keep the bitten limb still and at roughly heart level. Sit or lie down and limit movement.
Remove rings, watches, and tight clothing near the bite before swelling starts.
Gently wash the bite with soap and water and cover it with a clean, dry dressing.

Do not

Do not cut the wound or try to suck out the venom.
Do not apply a tourniquet or ice.
Do not drink alcohol or caffeine.
Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen, they can worsen bleeding. Acetaminophen is safer for pain.
Do not try to catch or kill the snake. A dead snake can still bite by reflex.

First-aid guidance adapted from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC NIOSH), Venomous Snakes. Educational only; always follow the instructions of emergency responders.

More Atractaspididae 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: Atractaspididae
GenusA close-knit group of very similar species: Atractaspis
SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name: Atractaspis irregularis

Keep learning

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