Black-headed Centipede-eater
Aparallactus capensis
A small, secretive African burrower named for its glossy black head and its diet of centipedes.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 25-40 cm (10-16 in)
- Range
- Southern and eastern Africa
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Overview
The black-headed centipede-eater is a diminutive, fossorial snake found across savanna regions of southern and eastern Africa. It is one of several centipede-eater species whose rear-fanged venom is specialized for subduing fast, dangerous arthropod prey rather than posing any real threat to people.
Its small size and secretive habits mean it is rarely seen except when uncovered under surface debris or after rain.
How to identify it
- Uniform light brown to reddish-brown body
- Distinctly darker, glossy black head and nape forming a contrasting cap
- Smooth, glossy scales
- Small, rounded head barely wider than the neck
- Round pupil
- Total length rarely exceeds 40 cm
- Distinguished from similar small burrowers by the sharply defined black head cap
Habitat & range
Found in savanna, grassland, and lightly wooded habitat, often in sandy or loose soils. It shelters under logs, rocks, and leaf litter, and spends most of its life underground or under surface cover.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and fossorial, emerging at night to hunt centipedes, which it subdues with mild venom delivered through enlarged rear teeth. Secretive and rarely aggressive, it relies on burrowing to avoid predators. Reproduction is oviparous, with small clutches of eggs laid in moist soil.
Frequently asked questions
Is the black-headed centipede-eater dangerous to humans?
No, it is only mildly venomous and its venom is adapted for centipede prey, posing no significant threat to people.
What does it eat?
It specializes in centipedes, subduing them with rear-fanged venom.
Where does it live?
It occurs in savanna and grassland habitats across southern and eastern Africa.
How can you identify it?
Look for its glossy black head contrasting with a plain brown body and small size.
Black-headed Centipede-eater guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Black-headed Centipede-eater.
