Reticulated Centipede-eater
Aparallactus lunulatus
A small, secretive African snake specialized for hunting centipedes, with a fine reticulated pattern.
- Adult length
- 0.2-0.4 m (8-16 in)
- Range
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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Overview
The Reticulated Centipede-eater is a small, fossorial species belonging to a group of African snakes specialized in preying on centipedes.
How to identify it
- Small, slender body with a fine, net-like (reticulated) pattern of dark markings on a lighter background
- Small head barely wider than the neck, typical of fossorial specialists
- Small eyes with round pupils
- Smooth scales and a cylindrical body
- Notably small adult size
Its fine reticulated pattern and small size distinguish it from other similarly small African snakes, many of which have plainer or more boldly banded patterns.
Habitat & range
Found in savanna, woodland, and grassland habitats across a broad swath of sub-Saharan Africa, typically under logs, rocks, and leaf litter where centipedes are common.
Its range spans much of eastern, central, and southern Africa.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Secretive and largely nocturnal, spending most of its time hidden beneath surface debris. It specializes almost exclusively in hunting centipedes.
It is oviparous, laying small clutches of eggs typical of small fossorial snakes.
Frequently asked questions
How big does the Reticulated Centipede-eater get?
It is small, typically 20-40 cm (8-16 in) long.
Where is the Reticulated Centipede-eater found?
It is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa.
What does the Reticulated Centipede-eater eat?
It specializes in hunting and eating centipedes.
Reticulated Centipede-eater guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Reticulated Centipede-eater.
