Persian Whip Snake
Platyceps karelini
A slender, fast-moving colubrid found across Iran and neighboring regions, typically marked with a subtle striped pattern and a pale yellowish underside.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.9-1.4 m (3-4.6 ft)
- Range
- Iran, the Middle East, and parts of Central Asia
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Overview
The Persian whip snake is a slim, agile colubrid belonging to the widespread whip snake genus Platyceps, distributed across Iran, parts of the Middle East, and into Central Asia. It is one of many closely related whip snakes adapted to arid and semi-arid terrain.
It is non-venomous and harmless to humans, relying on speed and alertness rather than aggression to avoid threats.
How to identify it
- Slender, elongated body with a long, tapering tail
- Tan to grayish-brown dorsal coloration, sometimes with faint darker striping
- Pale yellowish to cream underside
- Smooth scales and a narrow head
- Large eyes with round pupils
- Adults typically reach 0.9-1.4 m
Habitat & range
Inhabits rocky terrain, semi-desert, agricultural edges, and scrubland across Iran, extending into parts of the Middle East and Central Asia, generally at low to moderate elevations.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Diurnal and fast-moving, quick to flee when disturbed. It actively forages for lizards, small mammals, and large insects. Reproduction is oviparous, with females laying moderate clutches of eggs during the warmer months.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Persian whip snake venomous?
No, it is a non-venomous colubrid and not dangerous to humans.
How big does the Persian whip snake get?
Adults typically measure between 0.9 and 1.4 meters (3-4.6 ft).
Where is the Persian whip snake found?
It occurs across Iran, parts of the Middle East, and into Central Asia.
Persian Whip Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Persian Whip Snake.
