Colubridae
Werner's Diadem Snake
HarmlessSpalerosophis dolichospilus
6 photographs of the Werner's Diadem Snake. © Mourad Harzallah.
The Werner's Diadem Snake (Spalerosophis dolichospilus) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 3 countries.
- Family
- Colubridae
About the Werner's Diadem Snake
The Mograbin diadem snake (Spalerosophis dolichospilus), also known commonly as Werner's diadem snake, is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to northwestern Africa.
Geographic range
Spalerosophis dolichospilus is found in Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia.
Habitat
The natural habitats of S. dolichospilus are subtropical or tropical, dry shrubland, rocky areas, arable land, and pastureland.
Etymology
The common name, Mograbin diadem snake, is derived from "Maghreb", meaning "west" in Arabic.
Description
Spalerosophis dolichospilus is usually about 120 cm (3.9 ft) in total length (including tail), but can reach 150 cm (4.9 ft). It is orange with circular spots of reddish or greenish brown.
Behavior
Spalerosophis dolichospilus is very agile and can move quickly over rocky substrates.
Reproduction
Spalerosophis dolichospilus is oviparous.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Werner's Diadem Snake
- Is the Werner's Diadem Snake venomous?
- No. The Werner's Diadem Snake (Spalerosophis dolichospilus) 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 Werner's Diadem Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Werner's Diadem Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Werner's Diadem Snake dangerous?
- The Werner's Diadem Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Werner's Diadem Snake live?
- The Werner's Diadem Snake has verified records in 3 countries, including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia. See the distribution section below for its full range.
- Why is it called the Werner's Diadem Snake?
- The common name, Mograbin diadem snake, is derived from "Maghreb", meaning "west" in Arabic.
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
- Spalerosophis
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Spalerosophis dolichospilus
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.