The Cape coral snake, Aspidelaps lubricus lubricus.

A stunning but rarely seen snake. If you mistake it as being a type of cobra then you’re forgiven. It looks like one right?

It does spread a hood, which is where confusion might surface, although it’s is not as broad as the hoods we see displayed by Cape cobras or rinkhals’.

The Cape coral snake is nocturnal. During the day it spends its time underground. At night, it may surface to hunt. Many of them are killed by passing vehicles, particularly after rains when they are most active.

Cape Coral Snake Vital Stats

Venom: Potently Neurotoxic – not to be messed with!

Diet:

• Lizards, other snakes and rodents

Reproduction

• Oviparous laying up to 11 eggs; during summer

Key ID Points:

• Medium small snake up to 75 cm
• Smooth Scales
• Orange-yellow to coral-red above
• Black crossbars running the length of the body
• Thicker black crossbars running the length of the  yellowish underside
• Black stripe on the head from the eye to the mouth
• It may spread a narrow hood in defense and strike repeatedly if not left alone
• Usually active at night