East African Garter Snake

About the East African Garter Snake

Elapsoidea loveridgei, also known commonly as Loveridge's garter snake and the East African garter snake, is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is native to East Africa. There are three recognized subspecies.

The specific name, loveridgei, is in honor of herpetologist Arthur Loveridge. Adults of Elapsoidea loveridgei usually have a total length (tail included) of 30–55 cm (12–22 in). However, it may attain a total length of 65 cm (26 in). The tail is short, about 7.5% of the total length. The dorsal scales, which are smooth and glossy, are arranged in 13 rows at midbody. The coloration is black with light crossbands, which may be white, yellow, pink, or red.

Elapsoidea loveridgei is found in Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania. The preferred natural habitats of Elapsoidea loveridgei are woodland, savanna, and grassland, at altitudes of 600–2,200 m (2,000–7,200 ft).

Elapsoidea loveridgei is terrestrial and nocturnal. If threatened, Elapsoidea loveridgei inflates and flattens its body... Wikipedia →