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| Cape file snake | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Limaformosa capensis | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Lamprophiidae |
| Genus: | Limaformosa |
| Species: | L. capensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Limaformosa capensis (A. Smith, 1847) | |
| Synonyms | |
The Cape file snake (Limaformosa capensis) is a species of large, non-venomous snake endemic to Africa, belonging to the family Lamprophiidae.
L. capensis is found from Natal northwards through the former Transvaal and Zimbabwe, and westwards to the Caprivi Strip and Namibia, thence northwards to Cameroon and Somalia.[ citation needed ]
L. capensis is a medium to large snake. With an average total length (including tail) of about 120 centimetres (3 ft 11 in), specimens of 165 cm (5 ft 5 in) total length have been recorded. It has a very flat head, and its body is strikingly triangular in cross-section.
The Cape file snake's dorsal scales are strongly keeled with extensive pink-purple bare skin between the scales. Its colour is mostly grey to grey-brown, but occasionally dark olive to purple-brown. The prominent vertebral stripe is white to yellow, while the belly is ivory white to cream.
The dorsal scales, in addition to the strong primary keel, have secondary keels and tubercles, but no apical pits. The dorsal scales are arranged in 15 rows at midbody (in 17 rows on the neck). The ventrals number 203-241. The anal plate is undivided. The subcaudals number 45-61, and are divided (in two rows). [2]
The preferred natural habitats of L. capensis are shrubland, savanna, and coastal forest, at altitudes from sea level to 1,500 m (4,900 ft). [1]
Though it is not venomous, the Cape file snake is a highly successful predator of other snakes, easily following a scent trail and apparently immune to all venom. It also preys on small vertebrates.[ citation needed ]
Rarely attempting to bite when captured, L. capensis may defecate in self-defence. [4]
L. capensis is oviparous. In the summer, an adult female may lay one or two clutches of eggs. Clutch size varies from 5-13. The eggs are large, 47–55 mm (about 2 inches) long, by 20–31 mm (about 1 inch) wide. Each hatchling is 39–42 cm (about 16 inches) in total length (including tail). [4]
Atractaspis is a genus of venomous snakes in the family Lamprophiidae. The genus is endemic to Africa and the Middle East. The genus contains 15 species that are recognized by ITIS. Others recognize as many as 21 species. 23 are listed here.
Leptophis ahaetulla, commonly known as the lora or parrot snake, is a species of medium-sized slender snake of the family Colubridae. It is endemic to Central America and northern South America.
Boiga forsteni, also known as Forsten's cat snake, is a species of mildly venomous rear-fanged colubrid endemic to South Asia.
Gongylophis conicus, also known as Russell's boa or the rough-scaled sand boa, is a species of nonvenomous snake in the subfamily Erycinae of the family Boidae. The species is native to southern Asia. There are no subspecies which are recognised as being valid.
Uropeltis beddomii, commonly known as Beddome's earth snake, is a species of snake in the family Uropeltidae. The species is endemic to India.
The olive-headed sea snake, also known as the greater sea snake, is a species of venomous sea snake in the family Elapidae.
Jerdon's sea snake is a species of venomous sea snake in the subfamily Hydrophiinae.
Atheris chlorechis is a venomous viper species found only in the forests of West Africa. No subspecies are currently recognized.
Micrelaps is a genus of rear-fanged venomous snakes in the family Lamprophiidae. The genus is native to Africa and the Middle East. There are 4 species that are recognized as being valid.
Hypoptophis is a monotypic genus created for the rear-fanged (opisthoglyphous) venomous snake species, Hypoptophis wilsonii. The species, which is endemic to Africa, is in the subfamily Aparallactinae of the family Lamprophiidae. There are no subspecies that are recognized as being valid.
The Cape wolf snake is a species of oviparous, nonvenomous snake which occurs over a wide area of Southern, Central, and East Africa. Though docile and harmless, it may be confused with the very venomous stiletto snake.
Goldie's tree cobra, also known as Gold's tree cobra, is a species of venomous tree cobra endemic to Central and Western Africa. This species is one of the two tree cobras in Africa, the other being the black tree cobra. Goldie's tree cobra is one of the most venomous snakes and creatures in Africa.
Amblyodipsas concolor, also known as the KwaZulu-Natal purple-glossed snake or Natal purple-glossed snake, is a species of venomous rear-fanged snake in the Atractaspididae family.
Micrelaps vaillanti, also known commonly as the black-headed micrelaps or the Somali two-headed snake, is a species of venomous rear-fanged snake in the family Lamprophiidae. The species is endemic to Africa.
Xenocalamus bicolor, or the slender quill-snouted snake, is a species of venomous rear-fanged snake in the family Lamprophiidae. The species is endemic to Africa. Six subspecies are recognized as being valid.
Amblyodipsas microphthalma, also known as the eastern purple-glossed snake or white-lipped snake, is a species of venomous rear-fanged snake in the Atractaspididae family.
Aparallactus capensis, or the Cape centipede-eater, is a species of venomous rear-fanged snake in the Atractaspididae family.
Aparallactus werneri, or the Usambara centipede-eater, is a species of venomous rear-fanged snake in the family Lamprophiidae. The species is endemic to Tanzania.
Amplorhinus multimaculatus, also known commonly as the many-spotted snake or the Cape reed snake, is a species of mildly venomous snake in the family Lamprophiidae. The species, which is native to southern Africa, is monotypic in the genus Amplorhinus.
Limaformosa is a genus of snakes, commonly known as file snakes, in the family Lamprophiidae. The genus is endemic to Africa.
