The Herald Snake, Crotaphopeltis hotamboeia, is more commonly known as the Red-Lipped Snake. This name is slightly misleading though, as the lip is not always red and may in fact be white, yellow or may not be different in colour at all.
It is a common snake in the northern and eastern parts of South Africa and frequents areas near water sources and moist environments. Their prey, as is evident in their habitat preference, almost exclusively consists of frogs, toads and tadpoles. Geckos, lizards and fish may be taken opportunistically.
It is mildly venomous but not dangerous to man, and no symptoms usually result from a bite, specifically not a headache, as is often believed.
When threatened, this snake flattens the head and may strike out repeatedly.
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