Cobras and Mambas

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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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

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.

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

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 .

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

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 .

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 i nside 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