Aurora house snake

The Aurora house snake,[1][2][3] Aurora snake, or night snake,[1] Lamprophis aurora, is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. It is endemic to Southern Africa (South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana).[1][2]

Aurora house snake
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Lamprophiidae
Genus: Lamprophis
Species:
L. aurora
Binomial name
Lamprophis aurora
Synonyms

Coluber Aurora Linnaeus, 1758

Distribution

This species is widespread in South Africa (present all provinces but is absent from most of the Northern Cape) and also occurs in Lesotho[1] and Eswatini.[2] It is also recorded from eastern Botswana,[1][2] although this might represent a translocation.[1]

Description

The snake can achieve a maximum length of 90 cm, but averages 45–60 cm.[3][4] Colour varies from shiny olive green to dull dark green above. A bright yellow to orange vertebral stripe runs from the top of the head to the tip of the tail.[3]

Habitat and ecology

This species occurs in grassland, fynbos, and moist savanna habitats[1][3] at elevations up to 1,700 m (5,600 ft) above sea level. They are often found near streams and under rocks, and may occur in old termitaria.[1]

It is secretive[3] but can be locally common.[1] It is active at night (nocturnal).[5] The diet consists of rodents, lizards, and frogs.[3] The female lays clutches of up to 12 eggs.[4] It is non-venomous and seldom attempts to bite.[3][5]

Conservation

Grassland habitats that this species inhabits are heavily transformed by urban development and agriculture, but it is not considered threatened because it remains common in suitable habitat and is widespread. Its range overlaps with a number of protected areas.[1]

References
  1. Maritz, B. (2018). "Lamprophis aurora". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T174096A115657197. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T174096A115657197.en.
  2. Lamprophis aurora at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 4 July 2019.
  3. "Aurora House Snake". African Snakebite Institute. 2018. Retrieved 4 July 2019.
  4. "Lamprophis aurora". Reptilia.dk. Archived from the original on 18 October 2009. Retrieved 4 July 2019.
  5. "Aurora House snake (Lamprophis aurora)". ReptileCity.co.za. Archived from the original on 6 June 2008. Retrieved 4 July 2019.
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