Geographic range and habitat
''Aspidelaps lubricus'' is found in regions of theTaxonomy
Etymology
TheDescription
''Aspidelaps lubricus'' is a relatively small, slender bodied snake, around in total length (tail included), with some growing up to in some cases. The Cape coral snake is a smallBehaviour
''Aspidelaps lubricus'' is nocturnal, which means most of its activity and hunting occurs during the night. Since it generally prefers arid, rocky/sandy ecosystems, it will often be found living under rocks or even in burrows and tunnels. It has also been known to prefer leaving its burrow or hiding spots on cooler nights compared to the warmer nights in the summer.Diet
Since ''Aspidelaps lubricus'' is nocturnal, it relies on smell and taste to hunt its prey. It typically leaves its burrow or hole in search of smaller vertebrates nearby. It preys specifically on lizards, but has also been known to hunt other vertebrates such as legless skinks, small rodents, and sometimes other snakes. It is also known to target those vertebrates which are strictly diurnal, which are sleeping when it is on the hunt. This snake is known to rear up towards prey or when threatened, and then strike, injecting its venom. In captivity, it is known to eat some types of fish, mice, small rats, and also chicken legs, which are preferred by the juveniles.Reproduction and life cycles
Not much information has been found on ''Aspidelaps lubricus'' in the wild, however there is reproduction data from captivity. In captivity, it is known to be exceptionally easy to breed. The breeding period starts in the winter, with the cooling down of winter temperatures. The snakes then increase their uptake of food to help cope with the extra energy needed to reproduce. If mating occurs at this time, the eggs will usually be laid in May or June. After that, there is a period of about 65 days before the eggs begin to hatch. There are usually between 3 and 11 eggs hatched per clutch, with sometimes multiple clutches per breeding period. Each hatchling can be around 17–18 cm (6.7–7.1 inches) in total length.Venom
Although ''Aspidelaps lubricus'' has been kept in captivity, there is still little available information on the venom and its clinical effect. A study analyzing the venom suggests a composition similar to other elapids such as species of the genus ''Naja'' (known as true cobras). When venom has been taken in captivity, it yields around 27–71 mg of wet venom. The average yield is around 55 mg and is about 28% solid material. Previous studies have shown that in rats, this snake's venom caused neurological symptoms, which escalated into respiratory failure and eventually death. Few reports concerning ''A. lubricus'' bites to humans are documented and report different effects ranging from no symptoms (possible bites without envenoming), mild symptoms to severe neurological signs and fatal outcome. The effect of the venom might depend on variations in intra-specific venom composition, amount of venom administered and patient body weight. In a case reported in 2019, a 44-year-old man was bitten twice by this species, which was being kept in captivity. One hour after the bite, he developed vomiting, respiratory failure (requiring mechanical ventilation), paralysis of the bulbar muscles and upper limbs, with retention of the voluntary motor control in the lower limbs. After treatment, paralysis and respiratory failure resolved in 12 hours. No antivenom or established clinical management protocol is currently available for this species, and timely access to assisted ventilation is limited in many regions in southern Africa.Conservation status
As of 2015, the Cape coral snake is not listed as threatened or in need of conservation efforts. The main threat that is listed for this species is when crossing roads and highways, where vehicles can run over them.References
Further reading
* Branch, Bill (2004). ''Field Guide to Snakes and other Reptiles of Southern Africa''. Third Revised edition, Second impression. Sanibel Island, Florida: Ralph Curtis Books. 399 pp., 112 color plates. . (''Aspidelaps lubricus'', pp. 103–104 + Plates 20 & 26). * Laurenti JN (1768). ''Specimen medicum, exhibens synopsin reptilium emendatam cum experimentis circa venena et antidota reptilium austriacorum''. Vienna: Joan. Thom. Nob. de Trattnern. 214 pp. + Plates I-V. (''Natrix lubrica'', new species, p. 80). (in Latin). *External links
* {{Taxonbar, from=Q1285063 lubricus Snakes of Africa Reptiles described in 1768 Taxa named by Josephus Nicolaus Laurenti