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Cobras and Mambas © WildlifeCampus
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Module # 4 – Component # 8
Cobras and Mambas
Family Elapidae - Fixed Front Fang Snakes
Predominantly the Mambas & Cobras. This group is highly venomous, with fixed front fangs. Most of the group are fairly large snakes and terrestrial.
They do not have a loreal scale and most have round pupils. Other than the Rinkhals that has keeled scales the rest are shiny & smooth scaled.
There are a few exceptions but the bulk of the group are oviparous. The larger species have elaborate defensive displays and seem aware of their
dangerous abilities and will often stand their ground to a threat.
Typical Head Scales of an Elapid
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Species Species covered in this Component endemic to the Lowveld include:
� Spotted Harlequin Snake � Striped Harlequin Snake
� Boulenger's Garter Snake � Sundevall's Garter Snake
� Shield-nose Snake
� Rinkhals � Mozambique Spitting Cobra
� Snouted Cobra
� Cape Cobra
� Black Mamba
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Spotted Harlequin Snake
Homoroselaps lacteus
Characteristics:
���� Bright speckled species similar to hatchling Aurora House Snake
Other Names: Gevlekte kousbandjie
Habitat: Semi-desert / Karoo, Savanna and coastal bush (predominantly southern areas
of South Africa).
Reproduction: Oviparous, having 6-9 eggs, up to as many as 16.
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Description:
It is an extremely colourful snake that is sometime confused with the harmless Aurora House Snake. It is more likely that it will be confused with a
hatchling Aurora House Snake. The head is one way to differentiate the two species, as the Aurora House Snake is only green & black and more rounded in shape.
The Spotted Harlequin is often more red or yellow, which also applies to the rest
of the body. There are various colour phases of this species, and in the course
area they are more likely to be black with a yellow dot to each dorsal scale and normally an orange vertebral stripe. The other colour variations are:
1. Predominantly yellow to yellow white with black lines with either a red,
orange or yellow vertebral stripe. 2. The vertebral stripe may be replaced by orange yellow spots. The black
scales are still predominant, but usually have cross like shapes to scales rather than dots. This morph is more restricted to the western cape.
They are also very slender snakes that spend the majority of the time underground and often encountered in termite mounds. When encountered
or disturbed they wriggle intensely to escape but very rarely bite. Should
they try to bite it is rare that they will penetrate the skin as they have a very
narrow gape.
Bites have been recorded and mild cytotoxic symptoms were recorded such as swelling & pain. The only minor neurotoxic symptom that was recorded was a headache that lasted for around a day. Antivenin is not required or
effective against this species.
These snakes mainly feed on other snakes and other burrowing reptiles.
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Distribution:
Distribution of the Spotted Harlequin Snake
Note on our Distribution Maps:
���� The general map is of Southern Africa
���� The green shaded area is the Highveld and Lowveld of South Africa ���� The red lined area depicts the distribution of the species
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Striped Harlequin Snake
Homoroselaps dorsalis
Characteristics:
���� Slender snake with bright coloured stripes. ���� White ventral scales
���� Head not too noticeable from body
Other Names:
Habitat:
Mainly in the Highveld or Savanna but extends into the Natal Midlands
Reproduction: Oviparous, having 2-4 eggs
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Description:
This species is extremely noticeable with the yellow vertebral stripe that extends the entire length of the body. The sides are black and the ventral scales
are a light yellow-white, as well as the lips. The ventral colouration may extend marginally up to the sides of the snake.
They are also very slender snakes that spend the majority of the time underground and often encountered in termite mounds. Although there are no
recorded bites of this species it is presumed to be the same as the Spotted
Harlequin Snake. There have been very few specimens found of this species and thus very little research has been carried out.
Diet of this snake is not known in detail but presumed they eat invertebrates
and Thread snakes.
Distribution:
Distribution of the Striped Harlequin Snake
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Boulenger's Garter Snake
Elapsoidea boulengeri
Characteristics:
���� Banded colouration
���� Fairly stocky snake & lazy
���� Often will be hesitant to bite
���� Rounded Head Shape not very distinct from neck
Other Names:
Zambezi Garter Snake, Zambesikousbandslang
Habitat: Predominantly Savanna
Reproduction: Oviparous, having 4-10 eggs.
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Description:
As juveniles they have a black body with white bands and greyish ventral scales but white has been recorded. The white bands (8 – 17) are normally half the
width of the black bands. The head is often white with the last black band extending over the centre of the head by the parietal scales. In adults the bands are more white than yellow, but the rest of the colouration remains the same. In
older specimens the banding may become less distinctive. They have very short tails compared to most species.
It is rarely encountered as they spend most of the time in termite mounds or underground in search of snakes and other reptiles. Newborn mice will also be
taken. When encountered they will often hiss and curl into a ball
protecting the head.
They very rarely bite, even when first caught. Bites however have been recorded which has caused intensive pain and stiffness to the limb bitten.
The duration is short only lasting 10 minutes or less.
Distribution:
Distribution of the Boulenger's Garter Snake
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Sundevall's Garter Snake
Elapsoidea sundevalli spp. and subspecies
Characteristics:
���� Banded Colouration, sub-species striped ���� Vary relaxed species, rarely bites
���� Head not to distinct from body, sharpish shape
���� White Ventral Scales
Other Names:
Sundevall se kousbandslang, Highveld Garter Snake
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Habitat: Predominantly Savanna
Reproduction: Oviparous, having up to 10 eggs.
Description:
They have a brick red to brown body with lighter bands (light brown to white) extending the entire length of the body. There are normally 19-34 bands distinguishing it from Boulenger’s Garter Snake. In older specimens the banding
may become less noticeable or when specimen is in the "blue". The ventral scales are yellowy in colour and some black speckling may be present. Juveniles
are similar to the being dark brown with cream to white banding.
There are five sub-species but the differentiating of them is restricted to scale counts and distribution. Three of these sub-species occur within the
course area being Elapsoidea sundevallii media, Elapsoidea sundevallii
sundevalli and Elapsoidea sundevallii longicauda.
They are rarely encountered as they spend most of the time in termite mounds
or underground in search of snakes and other reptiles. Newborn mice will also be taken. When initially caught they are normally placid, seldom attempting
to bite or even hiss. A couple of bites have been recorded and no antivenin has
been required in any case. A bite from Elapsoidea sundevallii longicauda caused
nausea, dizziness and loss of consciousness and sight deterioration but after a few days all symptoms ceased.
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Cobras and Mambas © WildlifeCampus
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Distribution:
Distribution of the Sundevall's Garter Snake and subspecies
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Shield-nose Snake
Aspidelaps scutatus spp
Characteristics:
���� Short thick bodied snake ���� Stands up as a cobra when threatened but doesn't flatten neck area to
form a hood.
���� White bars on black ventral scales
���� Rest of body often mottled / speckled ���� Irregular neck banding - Yellowy or salmon coloured ventral scales
���� Will feign death.
Other Names:
Skildneusslang
Habitat: Predominantly savanna and sandveld.
Reproduction:
Oviparous, having up to 10 eggs. and may stay with eggs until they hatch.
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Description:
These are short stocky snakes that are distinguishable by colour and the large rostral shield. These snakes spend most of their time burrowing. The diet is
varied from small mammals to frogs, lizards and other snakes. There are two colour phases of this species. The one is an orangey red with some black speckles and vertebral blotches. The head is mainly black with some white. The
neck is black & white which is noticeable when hooded.
The Intermediate phase is more of a beige to yellow-brown but retaining the
black speckles and blotches. Head, neck & throat are the same as the typical phase.
When threatened they will hood and hiss, often striking at the same time.
Shamming death has been recorded in this species similar to that of the Rinkhals. Bites have been recorded as well as human fatality.
Hospitalisation is required, but the effectiveness of antivenin is not known. Recorded bites have had mixed symptoms. Neurotoxic venom symptoms
include partial paralysis & slurred speech, but some people only had
severe pain & swelling indicating predominant cytotoxins.
Distribution:
Distribution of the Shield-nose Snake
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Rinkhals
Hemachatus haemachatus
Characteristics:
���� Broad Typical Head
���� Spreads a hood when threatened. ���� Spitting species - Most often spits from hooded position, but I have had a
specimen spit from a non-hooded position.
���� Grey keeled scales ���� White bands on black ventral scales
���� Shams death when hassled.
Other Names:
Rhinkhals, Iphimpi - Xhosa
Habitat:
Predominantly Savanna near water or where frog densities are high
Reproduction:
Ovoviviparous, having about 30 young but over 60 has been recorded
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Description:
A dull grey, grey brown or black species that has white bars on the neck. This can be between 1 and 3 bars, but usually 2. They have keeled scales, which
along with being viviparous are the predominant features that do not get them classified as true cobras. They also have light bars on dark ventral scales, whereas the cobras have dark bars on lighter scales. The ventral scales of this
species are normally dark grey to light grey, but white in juveniles. Sub-adults have black speckling which starts to the centre of the ventral scales. Banded
phases do occur, but along the coastlines. An albino specimen has been
caught within Gauteng.
Their main means of defence is hooding and then spitting their venom.
They are only able to spit from this hooded position. The venom range is usually
around twice the body length and in adults this may be 2-3m. Should this defence fail they sham death and convincingly so. The tongue will
often hang out of a twisted inverted upper body and it will lay limp. If picked up it may or may not bite. Bites are not common but can be potentially lethal.
The average yield is around 80-120mg and approximately 40-50mg would probably be fatal. Antivenin is extremely effective in treatment.
The diet is varied with a particular preference for toads, especially as juveniles,
but rodents are also frequently taken.
Distribution:
Distribution of the Rinkhals
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Mozambique Spitting Cobra
Naja mossambica
Characteristics:
���� Broad Typical Head
���� Spreads a hood when threatened. Quite shy, often lowers hood quickly and looks for escape route.
���� Spitting species - Can spit from any position about twice the specimens body
length.
���� Typical Cobra - Smooth Shiny scales ���� Irregular neck banding - Yellowy or salmon coloured ventral scales
���� Said to sham death. (However this has not been scientifically proven, thus
if true is presumed to be a very rare occurrence)
Other Names: M'Fezi, Mosambiekse spoegcobra
Habitat: Moist Savanna
Reproduction: Oviparous, having up to 22 Eggs
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Description:
Each scale has a dark edge to an olive-brown, grey brown to slate grey in colouration. The ventral scales are yellow to pink and when hooded partial or
irregular black bands are present. They spit their venom from nearly any position. Unlike the Rinkhals they do
not need to spit from a hooded position. They briefly open the lips and spit.
They have copious amounts of venom and spitting is their main defence.
Even when cornered they rarely spread a hood for any length of time. They briefly hood and then retreat often spitting at the same time. Bites require
hospitalisation and the average yield is around 200-300mg per bite. It is not as
potent as other cobra’s but 30-40mg is considered fatal. Skin grafts are
commonly required from these bites. Typical of cobras the diet is very broad, including snakes, lizards, frogs,
rodent and other small mammals.
Distribution:
Distribution of the Mozambique Spitting Cobra
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Snouted Cobra
Naja annulifera
Characteristics:
���� Broad Typical Head
���� Spreads a large hood when threatened, aggressive species ���� Typical Cobra - Smooth Shiny scales
���� Very active after rains
Other Names: Previously Egyptian Cobra, Wipneuskobra, Bushveld Cobra, Bosveldkapel
Habitat:
Predominantly Savanna.& bushveld
Reproduction: Oviparous, having up to 33 Eggs.
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Description:
The older the specimen the darker they get. The usual colouration is yellow brown to a blue black, brown and dirt yellow ventral scales and dark speckling.
Banded phases occur and it is not restricted to any particular areas and seems to be more predominant in males. The banding is only evident in sub-adults approaching 750mm in length. There is a dark band on the neck, visible when
hooded, which is more prominent as a hatchling. There is no loreal in this species, but suboculars are present.
Their diet is varied taking anything from frogs to lizards, small rodents, other snakes including the Puff Adder, birds and eggs. It has been previously
recorded that they will sham death, but normally they are bold and will
stand up and hood at the threat, striking out with mouth agape.
Being potently Neurotoxic initial pain is felt, followed by neurological symptoms. Most common cause of death is respiratory failure and
hospitalisation is essential!
The average venom yield is around 175-300mg, but only 25-35mg is fatal to the
average human. Antivenin is effective for this species.
Distribution:
Distribution of the Snouted Cobra
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Cape Cobra
Naja nivea
Characteristics:
���� Broad Typical Head ���� Generally in drier habitats ���� Spreads a hood when threatened, fairly aggressive species
���� Diurnal ���� Typical Cobra - Smooth Shiny scales
Other Names: Kopperkapel, Geelslang, Kaapse Kobra
Habitat:
Varies - Desert, semi-desert and often near water
Reproduction:
Oviparous, having up to 20 Eggs.
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Description:
Colouration of this species is extremely varied. The most common colourations are yellow, speckled phase of dirty yellow and darker specks of varying sizes,
red or dark brown phase and a black phase. They occur in variations of the main phases as well. Hatchlings have a distinct bar to the neck and are mainly a dirty yellowish colour and darker speckling that may also give a barred
appearance. One preocular is present.
As with the Snouted Cobra they have a varied diet including birds, rodents,
lizards and other snakes. Meerkats often prey on them. It is not likely that this species will be encountered but it’s distribution does creep into the
course area.
If encountered they are not shy and will stand their ground. They spread a hood when cornered and will readily bite due to their very nervous temperament.
A bite is extremely serious and antivenin is required urgently and in
large volumes. Symptoms are typical of neurotoxic bites. The venom yield is
normally 120-250mg and 15-20mg is considered fatal.
Distribution:
Distribution of the Cape Cobra
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Black Mamba
Dendroaspis polylepis
Characteristics:
���� Long slender black snake
���� Coffin shaped head
���� Often seen in trees
���� Jet black inside of the mouth ���� May spread narrow hood and can raise about 30% of its' body off the
ground
Other Names:
Swartmamba
Habitat:
Open Bush & Savanna
Reproduction:
Oviparous, having up to 17 Eggs.
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Description:
A species that needs very little introduction. They are normally grey to dark grey in colour with a very distinctive coffin shaped head. The ventral scales
are grey with a greenish tinge to them and darker blotches may be present. It is the inside mouth colour that gives this species it’s name, being a very intense black.
When threatened they often raise the front part of the body, spreading a
narrow hood and opening the mouth, displaying the black inside to the
mouth. It is a species that also doesn’t hold back to bite, and will often inflict multiple bites. Despite popular belief it does not chase. If they can
escape or you move back, so will they.
The venom yield is large, varying between 100-400mg on average, but only 10-15mg is required to cause a human fatality. It is extremely fast acting venom and can cause respiratory failure in 7-15 hours. Hospitalisation
must be rapid and large amounts of antivenin will be required.
Male combat is a wrestling match with males raising and twining around each
other’s body, with the weaker specimen moving off. The diet consists of mammals such as rats and dassies and birds will also be taken.
Distribution:
Distribution of the Black Mamba