Aurora House Snake

Afrikaans name: Auroraslang

Aurora House Snake

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Lamprophis aurora

The Aurora House Snake is uncommon and secretive, so it is not often seen. It is mainly found in parts of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State and Gauteng.

These snakes can grow to a length of 90 cm but are more usually less than 60 cm. They are harmless and rarely attempt to bite. In captivity they are known to live to an age of 20 years, but it is very unlikely that they reach this in the wild. They are preyed on by Secretarybirds and Snake Eagles.

They are normally found on or near the ground. Their main habitat is grassland, but they do occur in coastal bush and fynbos as well. They are normally found in damp localities. Unfortunately, much of their preferred habitat has been cleared and replaced with residential areas.

The Aurora House Snake mainly feeds on small mammals, lizards and frogs. They kill their prey by constriction.

Females lay between 8 and 12 eggs in summer.

References and further reading

Snakes of Africa - Author: R.M. Isemonger - Published: 1983 - Page: 94

Southern African Wildlife - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1989 - Page: 223

The Sandton Field Guide - Author: Sandton Nature Conservation Society - Published: 1982 - Page: 74

Sasol First Field Guide to Snakes & other Reptiles of Southern Africa - 2nd edit - Author: Tracey Hawthorne - Published: 2016 - Page: 21

Reptiles of Southern Africa - Author: Rod Patterson and Anothony Bannister - Published: 1987 - Page: 69

Field Guide to Fynbos Fauna - Author: Cliff & Suretha Dorse - Published: 2023 - Page: 112

Bill Branchs Field Guide to the Snakes and Other Reptiles of Southern Africa - Author: Bill Branch - Published: 1988 - Page: 59

A Guide to the Reptiles of Southern Africa - Author: Graham Alexander and Johan Marais - Published: 2007 - Page: 89

A Field Guide to the Eastern Cape Coast - Author: R. Lubke, F. Gess & M. Bruton - Published: 1988 - Page: 259

A Field Guide to the Snakes of Southern Africa - Author: V.F.M. Fitzsimmons - Published: 1970 - Page: 87

The Reptile Database

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