Bug-eyed House Snake

The Bug-eyed House Snake is found in the dry scrub of the Northern Cape, adjacent Western Cape and Namibia. It inhabits Namaqua flats and rocky outcrops.

Full Name: Bug-eyed House Snake (Boaedon mentalis)

Other Names: Grootooghuisslang

Classification: HARMLESS

Map indicating distribution of the Bug-eyed House Snake in Southern Africa.

The Bug-eyed House Snake is found in the dry scrub of the Northern Cape, adjacent Western Cape and Namibia. It inhabits Namaqua flats and rocky outcrops.

It is completely harmless and relies on muscle power to constrict its prey which is mainly lizards and geckos as well as small rodents. This snake is active at night and is relatively slow-moving. Most individuals are light tan to pink in colour with large bulging eyes.

Two light yellow lines run down either side of the head – one from the nose through the top of the eye to the back of the head and the other from the back of the eye to the angle of the jaw. These lines may fade in adults.

African Snakebite Institute