Bibron’s stiletto snake
( Southern stiletto snake, Side-stabbing snake )
- Atractaspis bibronii
- IUCN Status: Least Concern
- Threat: dangerous
- Venom/Toxin: unconfirmed
- Trend: unconfirmed
General Information
Bibron’s stiletto snake (Atractaspis bibronii) is a species of venomous snake in the family Atractaspididae. The species is endemic to southern Africa.
There are no subspecies that are recognised as being valid.
Fun Facts
Bibron’s stiletto snake was previously known as Bibron’s burrowing asp, Bibron’s mole viper, and the mole adder.
Ecology & Behaviour
In East Africa, most records are from coastal thicket, woodland and moist savanna, although it occurs in more varied habitats elsewhere (Spawls et al. 2002), including dry forest and semi-desert (Spawls et al. 2002), highveld grassland and coastal bush (Branch 1998). Animals shelter beneath cover items such as stones or in termitaria (Branch 1998), emerging onto the surface on wet nights (Branch 1998).
Diet
The snake preys mostly on rodents, shrews, burrowing skinks, snakes and worm lizards (Spawls et al. 2002).
Reproduction
Females lay 3–7 eggs (Branch 1998).
Interaction With Humans
Bites are common, with most victims being bitten close to their homes in rural areas (Spawls et al. 2002), suggesting that this species may be somewhat tolerant of anthropogenic habitats.
References
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- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Squamata
- Suborder: Serpentes
- Family: Atractaspididae
- Genus: Atractaspis
