Many-spotted Reed Snake

A slow-moving somewhat secretive snake but locally common and may be mistaken for a Spotted Skaapsteker. Adults average around 40 cm, but may reach a length of 63 cm. This snake is often found in reed beds and riverine vegetation but also found in fynbos and montane grassland.

Full Name: Many-spotted Reed Snake (Amplorhinus multimaculatus)

Other Names: Rietslang

Classification: MILDLY VENOMOUS

Map indicating the distribution of the Many-spotted Reed Snake in Southern Africa.

A slow-moving somewhat secretive snake but locally common and may be mistaken for a Spotted Skaapsteker.  Adults average around 40 cm, but may reach a length of 63 cm. This snake is often found in reed beds and riverine vegetation but also found in fynbos and montane grassland.

Like the Spotted Skaapsteker it is active during the day and will forage for food, preferring frogs, lizards and small rodents. If disturbed it may coil into a tight spring, like the slug-eater. Most individuals are brown to olive brown with light stripes down the body, but bright green individuals are also found. The venom of this snake is not considered dangerous to humans but may cause local swelling.

African Snakebite Institute