Müller's Two-headed Snake
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Müller's Two-Headed Snake belongs to the Lamprophiidae family in the Ophidia (snakes) sub-order of the order Squamata (scaled reptiles). It is one of several back-fanged ("semi-venomous") snake species present in Palestine, reaching a maximum total length (body + tail) of 60 cm. Müller's Two-Headed Snake appears to have aposematic coloration – that is, what is known in laymen's terms as warning colors. There is variation in the exact color scheme among individuals of this species – black & red, black & yellow, black & orange, black & cream; but the theme always consists of highly contrasting bright color with pitch black. This is in spite of the fact that Müller's Two-Headed Snake seemingly does not possess potent venom. The diet of Müller's Two-Headed Snake probably consists of small snakes, according to sporadic observations in the wild. It is not known whether it is oviparous (hatching from eggs) or viviparous (live bearing), but the latter option is suggested in the scientific literature as the more probable one. Despite its supposedly alarming "warning colors", Müller's Two-Headed Snake is indeed harmless to humans and should not be harmed. Müller's Two-Headed Snake inhabits parts of the Middle East.
Conservation status – vulnerable (VU).
In Palestine – Appears, but relatively rare, in most Mediterranean habitats.
Sites: Umm at-Tut, Beitillu, Wadi Al-Quff nature reserves