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Elapsoidea semiannulata (Angola garter snake)
Angolakousbandslang [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
The Angola garter snake can be identified by the
distinctive narrow white crossbars which extend the length of its body and its
uniformly white underside. It grows to an average length of 5o cm but can reach
60 cm in length.
Distribution and habitat
This garter snake species is restricted to northern Namibia
and north west Botswana. Its favoured habitat is either moist or arid savanna.
Food
Eats skinks, geckos, amphibians and other snakes.
Predators, parasites and disease
Eaten by other snakes.
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
This snake has only been responsible for a small number of
bites, however its venom is known to cause pain and swelling which dissipates
after a few days. No antivenom is available.
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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