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Dipsadoboa flavida (Cross-barred tree snake)
Gebande slang; Dwarsgestreepte slang [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: Colubridae > Subfamily:
Colubrinae > Genus:
Dipsadoboa
Identification
The Cross-barred tree snake can be identified by its large
eyes (with vertical pupils), a head which is distinct from its body, a white
tongue, a brown stripe from the nose to the angle of the jaw and a nocturnal
lifestyle. It grows to an average length of 45 cm and a maximum length of 63 cm.
Distribution and habitat
This snake species is restricted to two small populations
in southern and central Mozambique. Its favoured habitat is lowland forest.
Food
Eats lizards (particularly geckos) and
frogs.
Predators, parasites and disease
Eaten by other snakes.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying)
Longevity
Has been known to live for between 10 and 15 years.
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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