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Dasypeltis medici (East African egg-eater)
Oos-Afrika-eiervreter [Afrikaans]
Life >
Eukaryotes
>
Opisthokonta >
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(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: Colubridae > Subfamily:
Colubrinae > Genus:
Dasypeltis
Identification
The East African Egg-eater can be identified by its Rhombic
(diamond shaped) markings, 1 or more V-shaped markings on the neck, its keeled
scales and its strictly nocturnal lifestyle. This snake averages 60 cm in length
but may reach up to 90 cm.
Distribution and habitat
Native distribution includes Somalia, southern Kenya,
Tanzania, Malawi, and four localised populations in the northeastern regions of
southern Africa. These four populations include one in the North East corner of KwaZulu-Natal,
two populations in
Mozambique and a fourth population on the Zimbabwe/Mozambique border. Favoured habitat is lowland forest and moist savanna.
Food
Feeds exclusively on
bird eggs which are crushed by bony
vertebral projections in the neck area.
Predators, parasites and disease
Eaten by other snakes and
birds of
prey (particularly
secretary birds and
snake eagles).
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg laying), lays between 6 and 28 eggs in
summer.
Longevity
The average lifespan of this snake is unknown.
Medical importance
Non-venomous and not dangerous to people.
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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