Collared Dwarf Racer

The collared dwarf racer is one of the smallest colubrid snakes, found in rocky and semi-arid habitats across parts of the Middle East, Anatolia, and the Caucasus region. It belongs to the genus Eirenis, a group of small, harmless snakes often called dwarf racers.

Its diminutive size and secretive habits mean it is rarely encountered despite being locally common, and it is entirely harmless to humans.

• Very small, slender body, among the smallest colubrids
• Pale gray, tan, or olive dorsal coloration, often fairly uniform
• Dark collar or nuchal band across the neck, giving rise to the common name
• Smooth scales
• Small head barely wider than the neck, with round pupils

Found under rocks, in rock crevices, and among rubble in dry, rocky terrain, stony hillsides, and semi-desert. Range includes parts of Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, and the Levant, generally at moderate elevations.

Secretive and mostly active at dusk or after rain, spending much of its time hidden under surface debris. Docile and non-defensive, rarely attempting to bite. Feeds on small invertebrates such as insects and their larvae. Oviparous, laying very small clutches of one to a few eggs.