|
Aparallactus nigriceps (Mozambique centipede-eater)
Mosambiekse honderdpootvreter [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 Mozambique Centipede eater can be identified by a broad
black collar and black head. It grows to an average length of 25 cm and a
maximum length of 30 cm.
Distribution and habitat
The distribution of this snake is entirely restricted to
the area around Inhambane. Its favoured habitat is coastal bush in lowland
forest.
Food
Exclusively eats centipedes.
Predators, parasites and disease
Eaten by other snakes.
Reproduction
Unknown.
Longevity
Has an average life span of 20 years.
Medical importance
Although venomous is not thought to be dangerous to man.
Links
References
-
Broadley, D.G. 1983. FitzSimons' Snakes of Southern
Africa. Delta Books, Johannesburg.
-
Marais, J. 2004. A Complete Guide to Snakes of Southern Africa.
Struik Publishing, Cape Town.
|
