Cape file snake
| Cape file snake | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Subphylum: | Vertebrata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Subfamily: | Boodontinae |
| Genus: | Mehelya |
| Species: | M. capensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Mehelya capensis (A. Smith, 1847) | |
| Synonyms | |
Mehelya capensis, commonly known as the Cape file snake, is a species of large, non-venomous snake endemic to Africa, belonging to the family Colubridae. It is one of several species in the genus Mehelya, all of which are considered varieties of file snake. File snakes are set apart by their unusual scale patterns.
Geographic range
It is found from Natal northwards through the former Transvaal and Zimbabwe, and westwards to the Caprivi Strip and Namibia, thence northwards to Cameroon and Somalia.
Description
With an average total length (body + tail) of about 120 centimetres (3 ft 11 in), specimens of 165 cm (5 ft 5 in) total length have been recorded. It has a very flat head, and its body is strikingly triangular in cross-section.
The Cape file snake's dorsal scales are strongly keeled with extensive pink-purple bare skin between the scales. Its colour is mostly grey to grey-brown, but occasionally dark olive to purple-brown. The prominent vertebral stripe is white to yellow, while the belly is ivory white to cream.
The dorsal scales, in addition to the strong primary keel, have secondary keels and tubercles, but no apical pits. The dorsal scales are arranged in 15 rows at midbody (in 17 rows on the neck). The ventrals number 203-241. The anal plate is undivided. The subcaudals number 45-61, and are divided (in two rows).[1]
Subspecies
Three subspecies are recognized, including the nominotypical subspecies.
- Mehelya capensis capensis (A. Smith, 1847)
- Mehelya capensis savorgnani (Mocquard, 1887)
- Mehelya capensis unicolor (Boulenger, 1910)[2]
Habitat
Mehelya capensis prefers savannahs and coastal forests.
Diet
Though it is not venomous, the Cape file snake is a highly successful predator of other snakes, easily following a scent trail and apparently immune to all venom. It also preys on small vertebrates.
Defense
Rarely attempting to bite when captured, it may defecate in self-defence.[3]
Reproduction
This species is oviparous. In summer, an adult female may lay one or two clutches of eggs. Clutch size varies from 5-13. The eggs are large, 47-55 mm (about 2 inches) long, by 20-31 mm (about 1 inch) wide. The hatchlings are 39-42 cm (about 16 inches) in total length (body + tail).[3]
References
- 1 2 Boulenger, G.A. Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History), Volume I. Containing the Families...Colubridæ Aglyphæ, Part. Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History). (Taylor and Francis, printers.) London. xiii + 448 pp. + Plates I.- XXVIII. (Simocephalus capensis, p. 345.)
- 1 2 The Reptile Database. www.reptile-database.org.
- 1 2 Branch, Bill. 2004. Field Guide to Snakes and Other Reptiles of Southern Africa. Third Revised edition, Second impression. Ralph Curtis Books. Sanibel Island, Florida. 399 pp. ISBN 0-88359-042-5. (Mehelya capensis, pp. 78-79 + Plate 25.)
Further reading
- Smith, A. 1847. Illustrations of the Zoology of South Africa; Consisting Chiefly of Figures and Descriptions of the Objects of Natural History Collected during an Expedition into the Interior of South Africa, in the Years 1834, 1835, and 1836; Fitted Out by "The Cape of Good Hope Association for Exploring Central Africa:" together with a Summary of African Zoology, and an Inquiry into the Geographical Ranges of Species in that Quarter of the Globe. Volume III. Reptilia. Part 26. Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury. (Smith, Elder and Co., printers.) London. (Heterolepis capensis, Plate LV.)