Colubridae
Wagler's Snake
HarmlessXenodon merremii
6 photographs of the Wagler's Snake. © Tomás Carranza Perales.
The Wagler's Snake (Xenodon merremii) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 15 countries.
- Family
- Colubridae
About the Wagler's Snake
Xenodon merremii, also known commonly as Wagler's snake, is a species of snake in the subfamily Dipsadinae of the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to South America and is widespread in the eastern half of the continent.
Geographic range
Xenodon merremii occurs in Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and northern Argentina.
Habitat
The preferred natural habitat of Xenodon merremii is open areas of savanna and shrubland, at elevations from sea level to 2,000 m (6,600 ft), but it is also common in disturbed habitats.
Etymology
The specific name, merremii, is in honor of German herpetologist Blasius Merrem.
Description
Adults of Xenodon merremii are usually 1 m (39 in) or less in total length (tail included). Its color pattern is very variable. Some "red phase" specimens are a uniform reddish tan. Other specimens are pale brown dorsally, with broad dark-brown crossbands, which are edged with black, and are narrower or interrupted in the middle. The latter color pattern resembles that of the venomous snake Bothrops alternatus.
Diet
Xenodon merremii preys on insects, frogs, toads, lizards, and sometimes snakes. Like other rear-fanged toad-eaters of the genera Heterodon and Lystrophis, X. merremii uses its enlarged posterior maxillary teeth to puncture and deflate toads which have defensively puffed themselves up, thereby making them easier to swallow.
Defensive behavior
When threatened, Xenodon merremii raises the anterior part of its body, inflating and spreading its neck, similar to a cobra.
Reproduction
Xenodon merremii is oviparous.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Wagler's Snake
- Is the Wagler's Snake venomous?
- No. The Wagler's Snake (Xenodon merremii) 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 Wagler's Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Wagler's Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Wagler's Snake dangerous?
- The Wagler's Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Wagler's Snake live?
- The Wagler's Snake has verified records in 15 countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia (Plurinational State of). See the distribution section below for its full range.
- What does the Wagler's Snake eat?
- Xenodon merremii preys on insects, frogs, toads, lizards, and sometimes snakes. Like other rear-fanged toad-eaters of the genera Heterodon and Lystrophis, X. merremii uses its enlarged posterior maxillary teeth to puncture and deflate toads which have defensively puffed themselves up, thereby making them easier to swallow.
- Why is it called the Wagler's Snake?
- The specific name, merremii, is in honor of German herpetologist Blasius Merrem.
Where it is found
More Colubridae snakes
Neuwied's False Fer-de-lanceXenodon neuwiedii
False Fer-de-lanceXenodon rabdocephalus
South American Hognose SnakeXenodon dorbignyi
Banded Hognose SnakeXenodon pulcher
Ringed Hognose SnakeXenodon semicinctus
Amazon False Fer-de-lanceXenodon severus
Guianan Green SnakeXenodon werneri
Günther's False Fer-de-lanceXenodon guentheri
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
- Xenodon
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Xenodon merremii
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.