Reticulated Centipede-eater

The Reticulated Centipede-eater is a small, fossorial species belonging to a group of African snakes specialized in preying on centipedes, a diet that requires specific adaptations given the potential danger of centipede bites and stings to other predators.

It possesses a mild venom delivered from rear fangs, evolved specifically to subdue centipedes, and poses no meaningful risk to humans.

• Small, slender body with a fine, net-like (reticulated) pattern of dark markings on a lighter background
• Small head barely wider than the neck, typical of fossorial specialists
• Small eyes with round pupils
• Smooth scales and a cylindrical body
• Notably small adult size

Its fine reticulated pattern and small size distinguish it from other similarly small African snakes, many of which have plainer or more boldly banded patterns.

Found in savanna, woodland, and grassland habitats across a broad swath of sub-Saharan Africa, typically under logs, rocks, and leaf litter where centipedes are common.

Its range spans much of eastern, central, and southern Africa.

Secretive and largely nocturnal, spending most of its time hidden beneath surface debris. It specializes almost exclusively in hunting centipedes, using its mild venom to safely subdue prey that could otherwise injure it.

It is oviparous, laying small clutches of eggs typical of small fossorial snakes.