Cape Centipede-Eater

The Cape centipede-eater is a small, slender snake native to southern Africa, belonging to the lamprophiid group that includes many rear-fanged 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.

The species is mildly venomous, using a weak rear-fanged venom mainly to subdue centipede prey; it is not considered dangerous to humans.

• 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)
• Rear fangs are not visible externally and the snake is easily mistaken for a harmless small colubrid

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.

Nocturnal and secretive, spending daylight hours hidden under cover. It actively hunts centipedes, using its rear fangs to inject mild venom while subduing prey. It is docile and reluctant to bite defensively, with a bite posing no significant risk to humans. Reproduction is egg-laying, with small clutches typical of the species' small body size.