Cape Reed Snake

About the Cape Reed Snake

Amplorhinus multimaculatus, commonly known as the many-spotted snake or the Cape reed snake, is a species of mildly venomous snake in the family Pseudoxyrhophiidae. The species, which is native to southern Africa, is monotypic (only one species in the genus) in the genus Amplorhinus.

A. multimaculatus is found in Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The preferred natural habitats of A. multimaculatus are freshwater wetlands, grassland, shrubland, and forest. A small species, A. multimaculatus may attain a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of about 45 cm (18 in).

A. multimaculatus preys on frogs and lizards. A. multimaculatus is viviparous. Usually four to eight young are born in late summer. Each neonate measures 12.5–20 cm (4.9–7.9 in) in total length (including tail). If a human is bitten by A. multimaculatus, the venom may cause localized swelling, inflammation, and pain. The venom is delivered by enlarged grooved teeth at the rear of the mouth.

Boulenger GA (1896). Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History). Volume III., Containing... Wikipedia →