|
Elapsoidea guentheri (Günther's garter snake)
Günther se kousbandslang [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:
Elapsoidea
Identification
Günther's garter snake can be identified by the following a
black colour (in juveniles) which becomes grey- black with age, between 18 and 24
light crossbars down the length of the body and its secretive nocturnal life
style. It grows to an average length of 50 cm but may reach 60 cm in length.
Distribution and habitat
This garter snake species is restricted to northern
Zimbabwe. Its favoured habitat is moist savanna (particularly miombo woodland).
Food
Eats other snakes, skinks, amphibians and termites.
Predators, parasites and disease
Unknown.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying), lays up to 10 eggs in summer.
Longevity
The average lifespan of this snake is likely to be 10
years.
Medical importance
Although no bites from this species have been recorded its
venom may be dangerous. Antivenom is likely to be ineffective and therefore
should not be used.
Links
References
-
Broadley, D.G. 1983. FitzSimons' Snakes of Southern
Africa. Delta Books, Johannesburg.
-
Marais, J. 2004. A Complete Guide to Snakes of Southern Africa.
Struik Publishing, Cape Town.
|
