| Slender snakes | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Genus: | Tachymenis Wiegmann, 1835 |
| Species | |
|
See text. |
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Tachymenis is a genus of venomous snakes belonging to the family Colubridae. They are commonly known as slender snakes or short-tailed snakes and are primarily found in southern South America. Tachymenis are capable of producing a medically significant bite, with at least one species, T. peruviana, responsible for human fatalities.[1]
The following species are recognized by ITIS:[2]
Other sources may recognize as much as 17 distinct species:[3][4]