? Snake ID

[Stefan-A]

Yeah, definitely not a boomslang. I just meant it has a similar shaped head (if you ignore the ridges above the eyes, which I hope aren't imaginary ).

[reptileparadise]

I'm tempted to go towards Coluber rogersi, but the markings don't seem right...
Does anyone know something about the venomous snakes in Iraq (James?). I believe there are a couple of vipers and 1 or 2 cobra species that can be of a threat....The rest should be harmless

[Stefan-A]

Coluber rogersi is a very good candidate, but in the pictures I found, the head shape was different. It could still just be my imagination, though.

[reptileparadise]

hmmm
Eirenis coronella

(source; ùìååï ëúîéí (Eirenis coronella) )
Malpolon moilensis

(source; Gästefotos )
They look a bit like your snake.
The head looks a bit malpolon like...But it will always be a guessing game for me

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

garter snakes are only found in north america. I would look at the pictures to help out, but I am doing this from my phone. I would probably never pick up a snake in a foreign country unless it was a python or boid. there are so many colubrids and even elapids that 'look' harmless!

[adamanteus]

I believe it to be Malpolon monspessulanus insignitus. This snake is considered dangerous and requires a DWA licence in the UK.

[reptileparadise]

woohoo! I was close

Is it a rear fanged animal?

[adamanteus]

Yes, rear fanged. I don't think they're actually particularly dangerous.... but UK law does.

I have a feeling that insignitus now has full species status, and is no longer a sub-species of monspessulanus... maybe someone who actually keeps up with taxonomic changes can enlighten us? Stefan?

[Tori]

I don't know what it is but I do know that it isn't venomous. There are six truely venomous snakes in Iraq and this little guy fits none of their descriptions.

Horned desert viper
(Cerastes cerastes)

Egyptian cobra
(Naja haje)

Levant viper
(Vipera lebetina)

Puff adder
(Bitis arietans)

Saw-scaled viper
(Echis carinatus)

Lebetine Viper
(Macrovipera lebetina)

I got concerned because my son is returning for his third tour in Iraq and though he may already know I am not taking chances. I sent him photos and information on all six. I have no idea why I didn't think of natural threats before and he isn't very informed about snakes from what I've seen.

[adamanteus]

Tori, it is venomous. It's a back-fanged snake.