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Lycodonomorphus leleupi (Mulanje water snake)
Mulanjewaterslang [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:
Boodontinae > Genus:
Lycodonomorphus
Identification
The Mulanje water snake can be identified by its glossy
olive colour, its preference for aquatic habitats and its day time lifestyle. It
grows to an average length of 85 cm but may reach 90 cm.
Distribution and habitat
The distribution of this snake is restricted to the
Zimbabwe/Mozambique border and central Mozambique. Their preferred habitat
includes rivers and vleis in moist savanna.
Food
Eats
frogs and
small fish.
Predators, parasites and disease
Eaten by monitor lizards,
birds of
prey (e.g.
snake eagles) and other snakes.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying), lays up to 9 eggs in summer.
Longevity
Likely to have an average lifespan of
10 years.
Medical importance
Non-venomous and not dangerous to man and not likely to
bite.
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 Publishers, Cape Town.
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