False Fer-de-lance
Xenodon rabdocephalus
A harmless colubrid widely known for mimicking dangerous fer-de-lance pit vipers through dramatic head-flattening displays.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 0.5-0.9 m (1.6-3 ft)
- Range
- Central America and Amazon Basin
Found a snake like this?
Identify any snake from a photo, free.
Overview
The False Fer-de-lance is a small, stocky dipsadid snake found throughout Central America and the Amazon Basin, closely related to and often used interchangeably with the name Amazon false fer-de-lance. It is best known for its convincing viper mimicry.
When threatened, it flattens its head into a broad triangular shape reminiscent of true fer-de-lance vipers, but it is only mildly venomous via rear fangs and not dangerous to people.
How to identify it
- Brownish or grayish body with irregular dark blotches or bands
- Broad, flattened head display when disturbed, mimicking viper head shape
- Round pupils and no heat-sensing pits, distinguishing it from true vipers
- Stocky, moderately short body
- Best distinguished from real fer-de-lance by lack of loreal pits and by round pupils under normal conditions
Habitat & range
Inhabits lowland moist and wet forests, leaf litter, and forest floor microhabitats across Central America and the Amazon Basin, from sea level to moderate elevations.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and terrestrial, feeding primarily on frogs and toads, sometimes small lizards. Displays dramatic defensive bluffing including head flattening, body inflation, and striking, but is not dangerous. Reproduces by laying eggs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the False Fer-de-lance the same as the true fer-de-lance?
No, it is an unrelated colubrid that mimics the appearance of the dangerous fer-de-lance pit viper for defense.
Can its bite hurt you?
It is only mildly venomous and not considered medically significant to humans.
What does it eat?
Primarily frogs and toads.
How do you tell it apart from a real viper?
It lacks heat-sensing pits between the eye and nostril and has round pupils.
False Fer-de-lance guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding False Fer-de-lance.
