This colourful little snake averages 30 – 40 cm with a maximum length of 65 cm. It varies greatly in colour, depending on locality, and is found in fynbos, lowland forest, moist savanna and grassland.
Full Name: Spotted Harlequin Snake (Homoroselaps lacteus)
Other Names: Gevlekte Kousbandjie
Classification: MILDLY VENOMOUS
This colourful little snake averages 30 – 40 cm with a maximum length of 65 cm. It varies greatly in colour, depending on locality, and is found in fynbos, lowland forest, moist savanna and grassland.
The Spotted Harlequin Snake is quite common in some areas and is found in deserted termite mounds, under rocks and logs or building debris. When exposed it will wriggle violently to escape. It feeds on legless skinks, blind snakes, other snakes and small lizards.
Little is known of the venom of this snake, but bites have resulted in cytotoxic reactions, causing pain, swelling and discoloration. Antivenom is not effective, and bites must be treated symptomatically.
