Xenodermidae
Zong's Odd-scaled Snake
HarmlessAchalinus jinggangensis
The Zong's Odd-scaled Snake (Achalinus jinggangensis) is a non-venomous snake in the Xenodermidae family, recorded in 1 country.
- Family
- Xenodermidae
About the Zong's Odd-scaled Snake
Achalinus jinggangensis, commonly known as Zong's odd-scaled snake, is a species of snake in the family Xenodermatidae. The species is endemic to the Jinggang Mountains in Jiangxi Province, China.
Habitat
Achalinus jinggangensis is a terrestrial snake that is known from forest habitats at an altitude of between 560 and 1,080 m (1,840 and 3,540 ft). The estimated extent of occurrence is less than 20,000 km2 (7,700 sq mi).
Description
Achalinus jinggangensis may attain a total length (including tail) of 46 cm (18 in). It is shiny blue-black both dorsally and ventrally.
Reproduction
Achalinus jinggangensis is oviparous.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Zong's Odd-scaled Snake
- Is the Zong's Odd-scaled Snake venomous?
- No. The Zong's Odd-scaled Snake (Achalinus jinggangensis) 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 Zong's Odd-scaled Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Zong's Odd-scaled Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Zong's Odd-scaled Snake dangerous?
- The Zong's Odd-scaled Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Zong's Odd-scaled Snake live?
- The Zong's Odd-scaled Snake has verified records in 1 country, including China. See the distribution section below for its full range.
Where it is found
More Xenodermidae snakes
Boulenger's Odd-scaled SnakeAchalinus rufescens
Black Odd-scaled SnakeAchalinus niger
Huang's odd-scaled snakeAchalinus huangjietangi
Peters' Odd-scaled SnakeAchalinus spinalis
Formosa Odd-scaled SnakeAchalinus formosanus
Achalinus ningshanensisAchalinus ningshanensis
Amami Takachiho SnakeAchalinus werneri
Achalinus dehuaensisAchalinus dehuaensis
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
- Xenodermidae
- GenusA close-knit group of very similar species
- Achalinus
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Achalinus jinggangensis
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.