Bark Snake
Hemirhagerrhis nototaenia
A small, cryptically colored, rear-fanged African colubrid that lives on tree bark and rock surfaces, of minimal risk to humans.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 0.3-0.5 m (1-1.6 ft)
- Range
- Southern and East Africa
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Overview
The Bark Snake is a small, secretive colubrid found in savanna and woodland regions of southern and East Africa. It is named for its habit of resting flattened against tree bark and rock faces, where its mottled coloration provides excellent camouflage.
This species is a mildly venomous, rear-fanged snake used for subduing small prey. It is not considered dangerous to humans, as its venom delivery system and potency are adapted for small ectothermic prey rather than defense against larger animals.
How to identify it
- Small, slender body rarely exceeding half a meter
- Grayish-brown to reddish-brown mottled or striped pattern resembling tree bark
- Flattened head and body posture when resting on vertical surfaces
- Round pupils and a subtly angular head
- Faint dorsal stripe running down the back in some individuals
Its bark-like camouflage pattern and flattened resting posture on trees or rocks are the most distinctive identification features, differing from more uniformly colored colubrids.
Habitat & range
Found in dry savanna, woodland, and rocky habitats across parts of southern Africa and extending into East Africa. It is closely associated with tree trunks, rock outcrops, and walls, where it rests during the day.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Primarily nocturnal or crepuscular, though it may bask on bark surfaces during the day. It is a rear-fanged predator, using mild venom to subdue prey such as lizards.
Feeds mainly on small lizards, particularly geckos, which it hunts on tree bark and rock faces. Reproduction is oviparous, with small clutches of eggs typical of similarly sized colubrids.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Bark Snake venomous?
It is mildly venomous, using rear fangs to subdue small prey, but it is not considered dangerous to humans.
How big does the Bark Snake get?
It is a small species, typically reaching only 0.3-0.5 m (1-1.6 ft).
Where is the Bark Snake found?
It occurs in savanna and rocky habitats across southern and East Africa.
Why is it called the Bark Snake?
It rests flattened against tree bark, where its mottled pattern provides camouflage.
Bark Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Bark Snake.
