| Mole snake | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Genus: | Pseudaspis |
| Species: | P. cana |
| Binomial name | |
| Pseudaspis cana (Linnaeus, 1758) |
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Distribution of the Mole snake
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The mole snake (Pseudaspis cana) is a species of snake in the family Pseudaspididae. It is native to much of southern Africa, and is the only member of the genus Pseudaspis. A study showed that P. cana are caught and consumed by the honey badger, among other species. Remains of the mole snake were found in the faeces, and suggest that the consumed individuals were larger specimens.[1]
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P. cana was originally described by Linnaeus in 1758. Its original binomial name was Coluber cana. Since then, it has also been known as Coronella cana (Duméril, Bibron, & Duméril, 1854), before being reclassified Pseudaspis cana (Boulenger, 1893).[2] P. cana is the only species in genus Pseudaspis.
The mole snake can grow to lengths of up to 2 metres (6 ft 7 in).[3] A small head and pointed snout are said to be characteristics of the species.[4] It has a firm, tubular body. Like the majority Colubrinae, P. cana is non-venomous.
In mature individuals, the body is mostly one colour, and may vary from yellow to brown to grey, and in some cases, solid black.[3] The young have dark markings and spots that are gradually lost as the individual ages.[4] Colour may be related to geography; in the south, most specimens are black whereas specimens found in the northern part of their range are brown, reddish brown, grey or yellow.
The primary food source of P. cana comprises golden moles (hence the name), rodents, and other small mammals.[4][5] For this reason, it is considered useful for the natural control of problem rodents.
Its diet may also include the eggs of seafowl. At Robben Island, mole snakes were observed eating the eggs of Spheniscus demersus (African penguin), Larus hartlaubii (Harlaub's gull), and Numida meleagris (helmeted Guinea-fowl). Juveniles were observed eating Strongylopus grayii (clicking stream frogs).[6]
The Mole snake is a nest predator of the Karoo prinia. P. cana is one of at least six snake species which cause reproductive loss and decrease of nest success in the Karoo prinia.[7]
The range of P. cana encompasses most of southern Africa.[3] P. cana is common in Kalahari Gemsbok National Park.[4] It is widely distributed, with a range stretching from Angola in the north to Kenya in the east to South Africa.
Mole snakes live in the abandoned burrows of other animals. They can be found in a variety of habitats, such as the scrublands of the South African Cape and the Highveld plateaux and grasslands. Mole snakes have also been found in mountainous and desert areas.[5]
The mole snake can be "quite ferocious".[5] Though not venomous, they can cause severe bite wounds. Despite this, they are said to make good pets when sufficiently settled.[5]