The Spotted Bush Snake, Philothamnus semivariegatus, is a common diurnal snake species in various areas across Southern Africa.
It is often killed because it is mistaken for the highly venomous Boomslang (Dispholidus typus). The Spotted Bush Snake is however completely harmless.
They are great climbers that can scale trees and rock surfaces with ease. Lizards and geckos make up the staple of its diet.
When threatened, they may inflate the neck to reveal bright blue intersitial skin (skin underneath the scales). This threat display is seen in the Boomslang and Vine Snakes (Thelotornis species) as well.
It can be distinguished from the Boomslang by its girth- an adult Spotted Bush Snake is only slightly thicker than a Bic pen. A Boomslang grows much thicker and is large bodied. The scales of a Boomslang are also much bigger and more prominent.
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