Angola Green Snake
A bright emerald green snake that often has dark markings on the first third of the body and some light speckling between the scales. It is a stocky snake that averages 60-90 cm but may exceed 1.2 m in length.
A bright emerald green snake that often has dark markings on the first third of the body and some light speckling between the scales. It is a stocky snake that averages 60-90 cm but may exceed 1.2 m in length.
A beautifully-marked slow-moving snake that favours damp localities in grasslands, lowland forest and fynbos where it hunts for nestling rodents, lizards and frogs at night. Adults average 60 cm but may exceed 90 cm.
This harmless burrowing snake spends most of its life underground where it feeds on ants, termites and their larvae. It is often flushed to the surface after heavy rains. As the common name indicates it is largely blind as scales cover the eyes – an adaptation for an underground existence. Bibron’s Blind Snake averages 30 – 38 cm with a maximum length of 48.4 cm.
A small file snake that averages 50 cm, with a maximum length of 65 cm. The Black File Snake is relatively rare but may be caught in traps on reptile surveys or found crossing roads at night. It is nocturnal and hunts for prey such as lizards and frogs. When confronted it moves in jerky movements and will hide its head under its coils. It will also emit a foul-smelling liquid if handled.
This snake spends most of its time underground and is rarely seen. It may be found under rocks or logs or in deserted termite mounds or may come to the surface after heavy rains. It is endemic to South Africa.
The Brown House Snake, true to its name, frequents human dwellings where it feeds largely on rodents and lizards. It is completely harmless and relies on muscle power to constrict its prey. It is widespread in South Africa and very common in suburban gardens.
A smallish snake averaging 30-50 cm with a maximum length of 97 cm. It is light to dark brown with a salmon-pink to yellow coloured belly. Snakes from the Western Cape are often much darker.
The Bug-eyed House Snake is found in the dry scrub of the Northern Cape, adjacent Western Cape and Namibia. It inhabits Namaqua flats and rocky outcrops.
A common snake throughout most of southern Africa except for true desert and closed canopy forests. It averages around 50 cm and is well adapted at climbing trees. It is most abundant in thornveld and grasslands where it can be found in any situation.
This docile, inoffensive snake is active at night when it hunts for prey, especially snakes. It is completely harmless yet eats venomous snakes like cobras and Puff Adders. True to its common name it has a file-shaped triangular body with large grey scales on the body and a light dorsal stripe that extends from behind the head to the tip of the tail.