Colubridae
Xenodon nattereri
HarmlessThis species has no widely used English common name.
2 photographs of the Xenodon nattereri. (c) bobbyteofilo, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC).
Xenodon nattereri is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 1 country.
- Family
- Colubridae
About the Xenodon nattereri
Xenodon nattereri, also known commonly as Natterer's hognose snake and achatadeira in Brazilian Portuguese, is a species of snake in the subfamily Dipsadinae of the family Colubridae. The species is native to eastern South America.
Etymology
The specific name, nattereri, is in honor of Austrian naturalist Johann Natterer.
Description
A small species of snake, Xenodon nattereri has an average snout-to-vent length (SVL) of only 27 cm (11 in).
Geographic distribution
Xenodon nattereri is found in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Habitat
The preferred natural habitats of Xenodon nattereri are grassland and savanna.
Behavior
Xenodon nattereri is diurnal, fossorial, and terrestrial.
Diet
Xenodon nattereri preys predominately upon lizards of the family Gymnophthalmidae and their eggs.
Reproduction
Xenodon nattereri is oviparous. Clutch size is two to ten eggs.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Xenodon nattereri
- Is the Xenodon nattereri venomous?
- No. The Xenodon nattereri 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 Xenodon nattereri poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Xenodon nattereri is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Xenodon nattereri dangerous?
- The Xenodon nattereri is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Xenodon nattereri live?
- The Xenodon nattereri has verified records in 1 country, including Brazil. See the distribution section below for its full range.
- What does the Xenodon nattereri eat?
- Xenodon nattereri preys predominately upon lizards of the family Gymnophthalmidae and their eggs.
Where it is found
More Colubridae snakes
Wagler's SnakeXenodon merremii
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
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 nattereri
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.