Variegated slug-eater- Duberria variegata 

Size:
Averaging around 25-30cm cm but may reach just over 40cm.

Colour:
It is variable in coloration and can be a uniform sandy brown with dark markings on the back or a uniform dark brown/black with light markings on the back.

Habitat:
Found costal forests, sand forests and moist savannah.

Field Notes
Like the Common Slug Eater, the Variegated Slug Eater is a small snake feeds on slugs and snails, reaching only around 30cm, occurring only in Northern Kwa-Zulu  and into Mozambique. Although secretive these snakes can be locally abundant in certain areas where suitable prey can be found. They seldom if ever attempt to bite and will like the Common Slug Eater emit a foul smelling musk when handled.
The Variegated Slug-eater ranges in colour from plain light brown with no markings to chocolate brown with dark spots to grey-black with lighter sides or brick red with darker markings. It is endemic to KwaZulu-Natal and Southern Mozambique, occurring from Richards Bay to Inhambane.

 

Duberria variegata

Variegated Slug Eater. From Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal.

Duberria variegata

Variegated Slug Eater. From Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal.

Duberria variegata

Variegated Slug Eater. From Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal.

Duberria variegata

Variegated Slug Eater. From Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal.

Duberria variegata

Variegated Slug Eater. From St. Lucia, Kwa-Zulu Natal.