Angolan Garter Snake
Elapsoidea semiannulata
A small African garter snake with faint banding, related to the venomous garter snakes of the genus Elapsoidea.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 0.4-0.6 m (1.3-2 ft)
- Range
- Angola and surrounding parts of southern Africa
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Overview
The Angolan Garter Snake belongs to the African elapid genus Elapsoidea, distinct from the New World garter snakes despite the shared common name. It is a burrowing species rarely seen above ground.
Its venom is mild and it is not considered a significant threat to humans, though it should still be treated with caution.
How to identify it
- Uniform brown to grayish body with faint or absent banding
- Smooth, glossy scales
- Small, rounded head
- Round pupils
- Distinguished from true garter snakes (Thamnophis) by its African elapid ancestry and different scalation
Habitat & range
Found in savanna and dry woodland habitats across Angola and adjacent regions, often in loose or sandy soils.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Fossorial and nocturnal, feeding mainly on other snakes and reptile eggs. Lays eggs. Rarely bites, and its venom is considered of low medical significance.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Angolan Garter Snake dangerous?
It has mild venom and is not considered a significant threat to humans.
Is it related to American garter snakes?
No, despite the shared name, it belongs to a different, African elapid genus.
Where is it found?
It occurs in savanna and woodland habitats in Angola and nearby regions.
Is it commonly seen?
No, it is fossorial and rarely observed above ground.
Angolan Garter Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Angolan Garter Snake.
