West African Egg-eater
Dasypeltis fasciata
An egg-specialist snake from West and Central African forests, notable for its ability to swallow eggs many times the width of its head.
- Adult length
- 0.6-1.0 m (2-3.3 ft)
- Range
- West and Central Africa
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Overview
The West African Egg-eater is a member of the Dasypeltis genus of specialized egg-eating snakes, found across the forests of West and Central Africa. It shares the remarkable dietary specialization of the group, feeding exclusively on bird eggs.
It relies on mimicry and bluff displays to deter predators.
How to identify it
- Body pattern of dark, saddle-shaped blotches on a lighter brown or grayish background, resembling vipers
- Head barely wider than the neck, lacking the triangular shape typical of true vipers
- Greatly reduced dentition, since prey is swallowed whole
- Highly distensible jaws and throat capable of engulfing eggs far wider than the head
- Rough, keeled scales that can be rubbed together to produce a hissing, rasping warning sound
Its viper-like blotched pattern is a mimicry strategy, but its slender build and non-triangular head distinguish it from actual vipers upon inspection.
Habitat & range
Inhabits tropical rainforest and forest-edge habitats across West and Central Africa, including countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, and the Congo Basin.
It is often found in trees and shrubs near bird nesting sites, as well as on the ground.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and largely arboreal, actively seeking out bird nests to consume eggs, its sole food source. Upon threat, it performs a distinctive display, coiling, hissing, and rubbing its rough scales together.
After swallowing an egg, it uses bony projections from its vertebrae to crack the shell internally before regurgitating the crushed remains. It is oviparous, laying clutches of eggs typical of the genus.
Frequently asked questions
How does the West African Egg-eater eat eggs bigger than its head?
It has highly distensible jaws and throat that allow it to swallow eggs much wider than its own head.
How big does the West African Egg-eater get?
It typically reaches 0.6-1.0 m (2-3.3 ft) in length.
Where is the West African Egg-eater found?
It occurs in forests across West and Central Africa.
West African Egg-eater guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding West African Egg-eater.
