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Limnophis bangweolicus (Bangweulu swamp snake, Eastern
striped swamp snake)
Bangweulu-moerasslang [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:
Natricinae
Identification
The Bangwelu swamp snake can be identified by its olive
brow colouration, a pale stripe on either side of its body that extends down its
entire length and its aquatic lifestyle. It reaches an average length of 50 cm
but may reach up to 63 cm in length.
Distribution and habitat
The distribution of this snake is restricted to the Caprivi
Strip and north west Botswana. Its favoured habitat is moist savanna.
Food
Eats small fish and
frogs.
Predators, parasites and disease
Eaten by other snakes, large fish, monitors and crocodiles.
Reproduction
Oviparous.
Longevity
Likely to have an average lifespan of
10 years.
Medical importance
Non-venomous and not dangerous to man and not likely to
bite even when handled.
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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