Bibron's Burrowing Asp
Atractaspis bibronii
A secretive African burrowing snake known for its unusual sideways stabbing strike delivered without opening its mouth wide.
- Adult length
- 30-60 cm (12-24 in)
- Range
- Southern and Eastern Africa
Found a snake like this?
Identify any snake from a photo, free.
Overview
Bibron's Burrowing Asp is a secretive, fossorial snake found across southern and eastern Africa. It belongs to a unique family of burrowing asps notable for their unusual tooth mechanism, in which a single tooth protrudes sideways from the closed mouth, allowing a stabbing strike without fully opening the mouth.
How to identify it
- Cylindrical, glossy body with smooth scales
- Uniform dark brown, purplish-black, or black coloration, sometimes with a paler belly
- Small head barely distinct from the neck, tiny eyes
- Short tail with a blunt or slightly pointed tip
- Adult length typically 30-60 cm (12-24 in)
Habitat & range
Found in savanna, woodland, and semi-arid habitats across southern and eastern Africa, often in loose or sandy soils. Spends most of its time underground or under surface debris such as logs, rocks, and leaf litter.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Fossorial and largely nocturnal, rarely seen above ground except when disturbed. Feeds primarily on other burrowing reptiles, small mammals, and amphibians. Notable for its unique sideways strike, delivered by swinging a single protruded tooth sideways rather than opening the jaws widely. Reproduction is oviparous.
Frequently asked questions
Where is it found?
It occurs across savanna and semi-arid habitats in southern and eastern Africa.
How big does it get?
Adults typically reach 30-60 cm (12-24 in).
Bibron's Burrowing Asp guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Bibron's Burrowing Asp.
Bibron's Burrowing Asp identified by the community
Real snakes identified with Snake Identifier.
