Mole snake

The mole snake, a non-venomous species from the Lamprophiidae family, inhabits southern Africa. It is the sole representative of its genus, Pseudaspis. Research shows that honey badgers and other predators frequently target these snakes, with larger individuals being particularly susceptible. Initially, Carl Linnaeus classified the species as Coluber cana in 1758, but it was subsequently reclassified as Pseudaspis cana.

Mole snakes can reach lengths of up to 2 meters and possess a tubular body adorned with varying color patterns. Their diet primarily consists of golden moles, rodents, and small mammals, contributing to the control of rodent populations. Additionally, their diet may include the eggs of seabirds such as African penguins and Hartlaub's gulls. They also prey on Karoo prinia nests, impacting the reproductive success of these birds.

These snakes are widely distributed, ranging from Angola and Kenya to South Africa. They thrive in a variety of habitats, including scrublands, grasslands, and deserts, often seeking refuge in abandoned burrows. Mole snakes reproduce viviparously, with females giving birth to 25-50 young in late spring. The newborns typically measure 20-30 cm in length.

Although mole snakes can exhibit aggression and deliver painful bites despite their non-venomous nature, they can become good pets with proper care and handling.