THIS week, we take a look at the photo-shy species, Natal Black Snake (Macrolaps microlepidotus)
What does it look like? Well the name does say it all, although there are quite a few species which are dark in colour. The Natal Black Snake, however, is pitch black all over. Some dark snakes may have a pale belly, but the Natal Black is the same uniform colour on top and on its belly.
They also appear to be quite shiny, too. These snakes can reach lengths of a metre, although I have been called out for a specimen in Westville which measured at 1,4m, an exceptionally large individual. They can get quite thick too. They have beady little eyes on their undistinguishable head, which suits their lifestyle.
Is it venomous? Yes, this is a venomous species. Due to this species’ docile nature, and its reluctance to bite, there have been very few recorded bites. Little is known about the venom or its effect on humans, and caution should be taken around this species, just to be on the safe side.
They are beautiful and good-natured, but please rather admire them in the garden and don’t pick them up. You also wouldn’t want to make the mistake of picking up a Stiletto Snake, thinking that’s it a Natal Black. That would not be a pleasant experience.
What other species look similar to the Natal Black Snake? To frighten people, sometimes any black, grey or brown snake is a Black Mamba. The Black Mamba grows to be much, much larger than the Natal Black, and is more of a dark grey colour, with a matt appearance rather than shiny.
These two don’t look alike at all, if one were to compare the two visually. The species which could most easily be confused for, is the Stiletto Snake. The Stiletto Snake is not a snake you want to pick up by accident. If you do, you will be in a great amount of pain, and in hospital. Hence why rather leave Natal Blacks alone, to avoid making that mistake.
The Stiletto Snake is much smaller than the Natal Black, lighter in colour (with a pale belly), and typically arches its neck quite distinctively, if threatened.
Where does this snake spend most of its time? This is a fossorial species, meaning it spends a lot of its time underground. They favour areas with soft soils and lots of leaf litter (humus soils). They are most often seen moving around during overcast days, after rains. This species rarely enters homes.
What do they eat? They’re not particularly fussy snakes. They love Rain Frogs (Breviceps spp), and will also eat lizards and rodents. They feed on snakes too. Out of interest, I recently received photos of a Natal Black feeding on a large Southern Brown Egg-eater. Fierce predators.
For snake rescues and removals around the greater Durban area, contact Nick Evans on 072 809 5806. For educational work, you can email him at nickevanskzn@gmail.com.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
