The rutela is found in some medieval encyclopedias. It is a serpent that seems to have been created to be useful in medical remedies. It can live for a long time without any food.

The name rutela is also used for a kind of frog, which has some characteristics similar to this serpent.

The rutela can be used in the preparation of several medicinal remedies, so dealer in medicine keep them in a safe place. What they are a remedy for is not explained.