Striped Harlequin Snake
Homoroselaps dorsalis
A small, striped southern African elapid closely related to the spotted harlequin snake, distinguished by longitudinal stripes rather than spots.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 0.3-0.45 m (12-18 in)
- Range
- Southern Africa (South Africa)
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Overview
The striped harlequin snake (Homoroselaps dorsalis) is a small, rare elapid endemic to a limited area of South Africa. It is closely related to the spotted harlequin snake but differs in its striped, rather than spotted, dorsal pattern.
It is only mildly venomous and considered to pose minimal risk to humans, and due to its restricted range and secretive habits it is rarely encountered.
How to identify it
A small, slender snake with a striking longitudinal pattern.
- Pale background coloration with dark longitudinal stripes running the length of the body
- Slender, cylindrical body with smooth scales
- Small head not distinct from the neck
- Round pupils
- Adults typically 0.3-0.45 m
Habitat & range
Restricted to a small area of grassland and moist habitat in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is fossorial to semi-fossorial, sheltering under rocks, logs, and leaf litter, or burrowing in loose soil.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Secretive and likely nocturnal or crepuscular, feeding on small reptiles, particularly other snakes and legless lizards. It is docile and rarely bites when encountered. Reproduction is oviparous, though details of its reproductive biology remain poorly documented due to its rarity.
Frequently asked questions
Is the striped harlequin snake venomous?
Yes, but only mildly so, and it poses minimal risk to humans.
Where is the striped harlequin snake found?
It is restricted to a small area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and is considered rare.
How does the striped harlequin snake differ from the spotted harlequin snake?
It has longitudinal stripes rather than a spotted pattern and occupies a more restricted range.
What does the striped harlequin snake eat?
It preys mainly on small reptiles, including other snakes.
Striped Harlequin Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Striped Harlequin Snake.
