Cape Coral Snake

The Cape Coral Snake is a small elapid native to the arid regions of southern Africa. Despite its diminutive size, it is a true venomous elapid closely related to cobras.

Its bite delivers a potent neurotoxic venom and it is considered medically significant to humans, though bites are uncommon due to its secretive, burrowing habits.

• Small, cylindrical body, typically 40-60 cm (16-24 in)
• Bold banding of red, orange, or salmon alternating with black across the body
• Smooth, glossy scales
• Rounded snout adapted for burrowing
• Black head and neck with a pale band behind it in some populations

Its vivid banded pattern and small elapid build separate it from harmless banded colubrids in its range, though caution should always be applied when identifying banded snakes in the field.

This species inhabits arid and semi-arid regions, including sandy and rocky desert, scrubland, and karoo habitat. It is endemic to southern Africa, found in South Africa and Namibia, where it shelters in burrows, rock crevices, and loose sand.

The Cape Coral Snake is primarily nocturnal, emerging after dark to hunt. It preys on other reptiles, particularly lizards and smaller snakes, as well as amphibians. When threatened, it may flatten its neck and hiss loudly in a defensive display. It is egg-laying, with females depositing small clutches of eggs.