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Aparallactus guentheri (Black centipede-eater)
Swarthonderdpootvreter [Afrikaans]
Life >
Eukaryotes
>
Opisthokonta >
Metazoa
(animals) > Bilateria > Deuterostomia >
Chordata >
Craniata > Vertebrata (vertebrates) > Gnathostomata (jawed vertebrates) >
Teleostomi (teleost fish) > Osteichthyes (bony fish) > Class:
Sarcopterygii (lobe-finned fish) > Stegocephalia (terrestrial vertebrates) >
Tetrapoda
(four-legged vertebrates) > Reptiliomorpha > Amniota >
Reptilia (reptiles) >
Romeriida > Diapsida > Lepidosauromorpha > Lepidosauria >
Squamata > Serpentes
(snakes) > Family: Atractaspididae > Genus:
Aparallactus
Identification
The Black Centipede eater can be identified by its
distinctive yellow collars, small slender body and strictly nocturnal lifestyle.
It grows to an average length of 40 cm and a maximum length of 47 cm.
Distribution and habitat
This snake species is restricted to a small portion of the
Zimbabwe / Mozambique border. Its favoured habitats are moist savanna and montane
forest.
Food
Exclusively eats centipedes.
Predators, parasites and disease
Eaten by other snakes.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying)
Longevity
Medical importance
Although venomous is not thought to be dangerous to man.
Links
References
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Broadley, D.G. 1983. FitzSimons' Snakes of Southern
Africa. Delta Books, Johannesburg.
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Marais, J. 2004. A Complete Guide to Snakes of Southern Africa.
Struik Publishing, Cape Town.
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