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Homoroselaps lacteus (Spotted harlequin snake)
Gevlekte kousbandjie [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: Elapidae > Genus:
Homoroselaps
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Homoroselaps lacteus (Spotted Harlequin snake),
Western Cape [C. Dorse & S. Van Rooyen ©
from
SARCA
Virtual Museum] |
Homoroselaps lacteus (Spotted Harlequin snake),
Western Cape [C. Dorse & S. Van Rooyen ©
from
SARCA
Virtual Museum] |
Identification
The Spotted Harlequin snake can be identified by its bright
colouration, a colourful stripe or streak that runs the length of its body and its
preference for inhabiting termite mounds. This snake grows to an average length
of 40 cm but has been known to reach 65 cm in length.
Distribution and habitat
Found all along South Africa's
East coast but is also found in the Free State, Mpumalanga, Gauteng and in
Limpopo. This snake favours the following habitats; fynbos, lowland forest, moist
savanna and grasslands.
Food
Feeds on lizards (particularly legless skinks) and other
snakes (particularly blind snakes).
Predators, parasites and disease
Fed on by other snakes.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg laying), lays between 6 and 9 eggs in summer
(it has been know lay up to 16 on rare occasions).
Longevity
It is likely that this snake has an average of 10 years.
Medical importance
The venom of this snake while non lethal can cause swelling
and severe headaches. No antivenom is required for this snakes venom.
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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