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Dromophis lineatus (Lined olympic snake)
Gestreepte moerasslang [Afrikaans]
Life >
Eukaryotes
>
Opisthokonta >
Metazoa
(animals) > Bilateria > Deuterostomia >
Chordata >
Craniata > Vertebrata (vertebrates) > Gnathostomata (jawed vertebrates) >
Teleostomi (teleost fish) > Osteichthyes (bony fish) > Class:
Sarcopterygii (lobe-finned fish) > Stegocephalia (terrestrial vertebrates) >
Tetrapoda
(four-legged vertebrates) > Reptiliomorpha > Amniota >
Reptilia (reptiles) >
Romeriida > Diapsida > Lepidosauromorpha > Lepidosauria >
Squamata > Serpentes
(snakes) > Family: Colubridae > Subfamily:
Psammophinae
Identification
The Lined olympic snake can be identified by the three
yellow or green stripes down its length and its mostly aquatic and diurnal
lifestyle. It grows to an average length of 80 cm and a maximum length of 1
meter.
Distribution and habitat
This snake species is restricted to the Caprivi strip where
it inhabits waterside vegetation.
Food
Eats
frogs,
rodents
(e.g.
rats and mice) and possibly other snakes.
Predators, parasites and disease
Eaten by other snakes (particularly vine snakes),
birds of
prey (particularly
secretary birds and
snake eagles).
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying), usually lays between 6 and 9 eggs
in summer.
Longevity
Likely to have an average lifespan of
10 years.
Medical importance
Although venomous is not dangerous to man.
Links
References
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Broadley, D.G. 1983. FitzSimons' Snakes of Southern
Africa. Delta Books, Johannesburg.
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Marais, J. 2004. A Complete Guide to Snakes of Southern Africa.
Struik Publishing, Cape Town.
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