Vital Statistics
- Latin Name
- Dispholidus Typus
- Length_F
- 1 260 mm
- Length_M
- 1 290 mm
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Colubridae
- Description
- A large snake with a distinct head, and very large eyes with round pupils. Colouration is very variable. They may be leaf-green, bright green or black with dark grey, black-edged belly scales, or brick-red to rust-red, with an orange-pink belly.
- Class
- Reptilia
- Subspecies
- 2 races are recognized
- Distribution
- Found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, occurring in the northern parts of the region and extending along the east and south coast to Cape Town.
- Breeding
- Mating occurs in spring, and 10 - 14 eggs are laid in tree hollows or leaf litter in summer. Incubation takes 2 - 3 months.
- Venom
- Venom is a potent haemotoxin that prevents blood clotting, causing death from haemorrhage.
- Diet
- Small vertebrates, particularly chameleons and birds.
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