About Aspidelaps lubricus (Laurenti, 1768)
Aspidelaps lubricus, commonly called the Cape coral snake, is a relatively small, slender-bodied elapid (a member of the family of venomous snakes typically found in tropical and sub-tropical regions worldwide). Adults reach a total length (including the tail) of 1.6–2.0 ft (49–61 cm), and some individuals can grow up to 2.5 ft (76 cm). This species has an enlarged rostral scale, the scale located at the front of the snout, above the mouth opening. Its head is very short relative to its body, making it easy to distinguish from the neck and the rest of the body. Its body color ranges from red-orange to yellow, a color pattern that is slightly similar to that seen on some corn snakes. The Cape coral snake has thick black rings that run along the full length of its body; these rings fully encircle the body, but do not fully encircle the tail. There are 20 to 47 total black rings along the snake's body. Like many other cobras, this species has a narrow hood just below its head. Aspidelaps lubricus is found in the Karoo region, the former Cape Province of South Africa, and ranges northward into Namibia. It mostly lives in very arid regions, including deserts and rocky or sandy ecosystems. The Karoo areas it inhabits have low, unpredictable rainfall and little vegetation, which is mostly made up of shrubs and scrubs. Little is known about wild populations of Aspidelaps lubricus, but data on its reproduction is available from captive individuals. In captivity, this species is exceptionally easy to breed. Breeding occurs in winter, triggered by cooling winter temperatures. Before breeding, the snakes increase their food intake to get the extra energy required for reproduction. If mating is successful during this period, eggs are usually laid in May or June. Eggs hatch after around 65 days. Clutches contain 3 to 11 eggs on average, and a single breeding period can produce multiple clutches. Hatchlings measure around 17–18 cm (6.7–7.1 inches) in total length.
