Cape Centipede-Eater
Aparallactus capensis
A small, secretive southern African snake that specializes in hunting centipedes.
- Adult length
- 0.2-0.4 m (8-16 in)
- Range
- Southern Africa
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Overview
The Cape centipede-eater is a small, slender snake native to southern Africa, belonging to the lamprophiid group that includes many African species. As its name suggests, it is a dietary specialist, feeding almost exclusively on centipedes.
It is rarely encountered due to its small size, secretive habits, and nocturnal activity, and is more often found by turning over surface debris than by chance sighting.
It feeds mainly on centipedes.
How to identify it
- Small, slender, cylindrical body
- Smooth scales, uniform in texture
- Coloration typically brown, gray, or olive above, often with a darker head and a paler collar or nape band
- Small head barely distinct from the neck, with round pupils
- Adults usually 20-40 cm (8-16 in)
- Easily mistaken for a small colubrid
Habitat & range
Found across savanna, grassland, and rocky habitats of southern Africa, including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Frequently found under rocks, logs, and leaf litter, and in termite mounds where centipedes are common.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and secretive, spending daylight hours hidden under cover. It actively hunts centipedes. Reproduction is egg-laying, with small clutches typical of the species' small body size.
Frequently asked questions
How big does the Cape centipede-eater get?
It is small, typically 20-40 cm (8-16 in) long.
Where is the Cape centipede-eater found?
It occurs across southern Africa, including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.
What does the Cape centipede-eater eat?
It feeds almost exclusively on centipedes.
Cape Centipede-Eater guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Cape Centipede-Eater.
