| Lamprophis aurora | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Genus: | Lamprophis |
| Species: | L. aurora |
| Binomial name | |
| Lamprophis aurora (Linnaeus, 1758) |
|
The Aurora House Snake, Lamprophis aurora, is a species of snake in the Colubridae family.
Contents |
Found in South Africa, the southern Cape Province, from the Cape Peninsula, east and north to Natal, Lesotho, Orange Free State, Transvaal and Swaziland. It is a terrestrial snake that favours grasslands and forested coastal areas, sometimes in close proximity to people as is suggested by the common name. It is less common than some other species of house snake and is seldom seen in the pet trade.
The snake can achieve a maximum length of 90 cm but averages 45–60 cm. Immature snakes have a distinctive orange-brown stripe running the length of their back with a dorsal ground colour of olive green, which darkens as they get older. Is active at night (nocturnal) Diet consists of Rodents, lizards and frogs. Lays eggs in cluches of 8 - 12 with hatchlings averaging 20 cm.
[1] - Reptilia.dk Aurora House Snake Page
[2] - www.geocities.com/snakes_of_sa/aurora.html. [3] - ReptileCity.co.za