Kotschy's Gecko Snake
Oligodon melanocephalus
A small, secretive colubrid of the Middle East specialized in feeding on geckos and other small lizards, rarely encountered due to its cryptic habits.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.3-0.5 m (1-1.6 ft)
- Range
- Middle East, including the Levant, Arabian Peninsula, and Iran
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Overview
Kotschy's gecko snake is a small, little-known colubrid found across parts of the Middle East, named for its association with gecko prey and for the naturalist Theodor Kotschy, who collected specimens in the region during the 19th century.
It is harmless to humans, being non-venomous and too small to pose any risk. Its secretive, nocturnal habits mean it is rarely observed even within its native range.
How to identify it
- Small, slender body
- Coloration typically pale tan to grayish with faint darker markings or crossbands
- Smooth scales and a small head not strongly distinct from the neck
- Round pupils
- Adults usually remain under 0.5 m in length
Habitat & range
Found in rocky desert, semi-desert, and scrubland habitats across parts of the Levant, the Arabian Peninsula, and Iran, often in areas with abundant rock crevices and gecko populations.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and secretive, sheltering by day under rocks and in crevices. It specializes in hunting small lizards, particularly geckos, which it locates in rock crevices at night. Reproduction is oviparous, with small clutches of eggs laid in sheltered sites.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kotschy's gecko snake venomous?
No, it is non-venomous and harmless to humans.
What does Kotschy's gecko snake eat?
As its name suggests, it feeds primarily on geckos and other small lizards.
Where is Kotschy's gecko snake found?
It occurs across parts of the Middle East, including the Levant, the Arabian Peninsula, and Iran.
Kotschy's Gecko Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Kotschy's Gecko Snake.
