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Aparallactus lunulatus (Reticulated centipede-eater)
Gebande honderedpootvreter [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 Reticulated Centipede eater can be identified by its
small slender body, a black collar and up to 12 black blotches down the length
of its eyes. It grows to an average length of 40 cm and a maximum of 54 cm in
length.
Distribution and habitat
Found on the South Africa /
Mozambique border, throughout Zimbabwe and small portion of central Mozambique.
Its favoured habitat is moist savanna.
Food
Eats centipedes and scorpions.
Predators, parasites and disease
Eaten by other snakes.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying), lays between 2 and 4 eggs in
summer.
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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