Southern Bark Snake
Hemirhagerrhis viperina
A small, viper-mimicking African colubrid with a zigzag dorsal pattern, mildly venomous but harmless to humans.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 0.3-0.4 m (1-1.3 ft)
- Range
- Southern Africa
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Overview
The Southern Bark Snake is a diminutive colubrid found in arid and semi-arid regions of southern Africa. Its common name reflects both its bark-dwelling habits and its superficial resemblance in pattern to small vipers, an example of protective mimicry.
Though it possesses mild venom for subduing small prey via rear fangs, it is not considered a threat to humans and rarely bites defensively.
How to identify it
- Small body size, rarely exceeding 40 cm
- Grayish or reddish-brown background with a bold dark zigzag or blotched dorsal pattern reminiscent of a viper
- Flattened head shape enhancing viper mimicry
- Round pupils, unlike true vipers
- Rough-textured appearance when resting on bark
Despite its viper-like zigzag pattern, its small size, round pupils, and slender rear-fanged dentition distinguish it from any true viper species.
Habitat & range
Inhabits dry savanna, semi-desert, and rocky terrain across parts of southern Africa, particularly Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. Frequently found on tree bark, dead wood, and rock surfaces.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Primarily nocturnal, sheltering by day under bark or in rock crevices. It relies on camouflage and viper-like mimicry to deter predators rather than active defense.
Feeds chiefly on small lizards, especially geckos found on bark and rocks. Reproduction is oviparous, with small clutches consistent with its diminutive size.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Southern Bark Snake venomous?
It is mildly venomous with rear fangs used to subdue prey, but it is not dangerous to humans.
How big does the Southern Bark Snake get?
It is very small, typically reaching only 0.3-0.4 m (1-1.3 ft).
Where is the Southern Bark Snake found?
It occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of southern Africa.
Why does it resemble a viper?
Its zigzag dorsal pattern is a form of mimicry that may deter predators, though it is not a true viper.
Southern Bark Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Southern Bark Snake.
