Western Parrot-Snake

About the Western Parrot-Snake

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Western Parrot-Snake

Is the Western Parrot-Snake venomous?

No. The Western Parrot-Snake (Leptophis occidentalis) 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 Western Parrot-Snake poisonous?

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

Is the Western Parrot-Snake dangerous?

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

Where does the Western Parrot-Snake live?

The Western Parrot-Snake has verified records in 38 countries, including Mexico, Brazil, Colombia. See the distribution section below for its full range.

Where it is found

More Colubridae snakes

• 
  Mexican Parrot Snake
  Leptophis mexicanus
• 
  Pacific Coast Parrot Snake
  Leptophis diplotropis
• 
  Giant Parrot Snake
  Leptophis ahaetulla
• 
  Cope's Parrot Snake
  Leptophis depressirostris
• 
  Leptophis praestans
  Leptophis praestans
• 
  Southern Green Parrot Snake
  Leptophis marginatus
• 
  Black-skinned Parrot Snake
  Leptophis nigromarginatus
• 
  Oliver's Parrot Snake
  Leptophis coeruleodorsus

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

Leptophis

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

Leptophis occidentalis

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.