Description:
Scientific name: Boaedon capensis
Life span: 9 years
The brown house snake, sometimes referred to as the Cape house snake or Boaedon capensis, is a type of lamprophiidae. Although the tops of cape house snakes are often dark brown, they can sometimes be nearly black, brown, or even olive green. Strong, thick, and bold stripes go from the rostral scale through the eye to the back of the skull. The flanks of this species may have a lateral stripe that frequently resembles a chain and runs down the middle. Moreover, they could have lateral stripes on each side of the spine. It is not unusual for lines to connect between the lateral striping. These body marks are typically lighter in color than the foundation tones, which are frequently dark, chocolate-brown.
Native Region/Habitat
Discovered in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Botswana, South Africa (from KwaZulu-Natal to the Western Cape), and KwaZulu-Natal.
Behavior:
This species is known to frequent human settlements in the wild, where it feeds on the rodents that congregate there. The idea that South Africans bring these snakes into their homes to eat rats is a prevalent one. This only occurs very infrequently. This species, which prefers the dark, has been observed to consume entire mouse nests in a single sitting. This species only reproduces once or twice a year in the wild.
Care As a pet/In captivity:
With many hobbyists throughout the world starting to preserve and breed this species, it is becoming more widespread in the exotic pet trade. As more repeatable morphs become available, it has grown in popularity among amateurs. They require minimal maintenance, which makes them perfect for beginning hobbyists while retaining interest for more seasoned keepers. This species can reproduce up to six times a year in captivity, laying 5 to 16 eggs roughly every 60 days.
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