The name 'harlequin' aptly describes this snake's bright, multicoloured appearance. If disturbed, it does not strike but is quick to wriggle away, giving an impression of flashing colours on the move. The Spotted Harlequin Snake objects to being handled and will struggle strenuously when caught.
Other names: Afrikaans -- Gevlekte kousbandjie :
Although it is inoffensive and does not often bite, it may do so quite unexpectedly. Fortunately the Spotted Harlequin Snakes small mouth prevents it from taking a full bite, and its venom is comparatively mild; but that is no reason to be careless when dealing with this snake.
The captive life of the Spotted Harlequin Snake is usually short - either because the collector is unable to keep it supplied with suitable food, or because it escapes. It is quite an escape artist, finding and taking the tiniest gap to freedom - often squeezing through the door frame or a chink at the side of the lid.
Diet: The Spotted Harlequin Snake, also known as the spotted dwarf garter snake, is nocturnal and given to prowling in and out of grass tufts, where its favourite prey, legless lizards of genus Scelotes, reside. It also preys on small snakes, including burrowing snakes such as blind snakes and thread snakes. In pursuit of these last two, it spends much time underground.
Reproduction (Breeding): The female Spotted Harlequin Snake lays her small eggs during the middle of summer, usually about six at a time.
Distribution (Range): The Spotted Harlequin Snake is found along the western and southern Cape coast; in the eastern Cape; southern Natal' the Orange Free state; central Transvaal and along the eastern Transvaal escarpment.
Size: Spotted Harlequin Snakes grow up to 50 cm in length.
Colour: The Spotted Harlequin Snake head is black, with alternate black and yellow bands or blotches all down the body, and a bright orange or red vertebral stripe running from the top of the head to the tail. In the more northern areas of this snake's distribution they can be all black. except for the bright orange or red vertebral stripe, and with each black scale bearing a yellow dot.
Most like: The Spotted Harlequin Snake is the most like the coral snake, which has a broader body and is more regularly transversely banded, with alternate black and coral-red to orange cross-bands.
Habitat: The Spotted Harlequin Snake prefers to live in disused termite mounds, or under stones or debris in sandy areas in coastal bush.
Best places to see the Spotted Harlequin Snake in Southern Africa:
• Kruger National Park
 Snakes of Southern Africa >> Printable Snake List <<
South African Snakes >> Printable Snake List <<
Wildlife - Fauna & Flora of Southern Africa
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