Philodryas chamissonis

The specific name, chamissonis, is in honor of German botanist and poet Adelbert von Chamisso.^[2][5]

P. chamissonis has a large distribution in Chile, from Paposo to Valdivia.^[1]

Usually, P. chamissonis is gray, with black and white longitudinal stripes on the body. It is a medium-sized snake, which usually reaches 1.4 m (4.6 ft) in total length (including tail).^{[citation needed]}

The length of the tail is 25-28.5 % of the total length. There are 8 upper labials, the 4th and 5th entering the eye. The smooth dorsal scales are arranged in 19 rows at midbody. Ventrals 179-225; anal plate divided; subcaudals 100-122.^[6]

P. chamissonis lives in a large variety of habitats, at altitudes from sea level to 2,300 m (7,500 ft).^[1]

The diet of P. chamissonis is mainly composed of little rodents, birds, amphibians, and other smaller reptiles.^[1] For example, it especially preys upon lizards of the genus Liolaemus.^[1]

P. chamissonis is an oviparous reptile.^[1][2]

Because P. chamissonis is rarely found, bites by it are uncommon. However, its bite is painful and causes extensive swelling.^[7]