Angolan Coral Cobras: Understanding Their Venomous Bite

The Angolan coral cobra (Aspidelaps lubricus cowlesi) is a venomous snake species in the Elapidae family. It is a subspecies of the Cape Coral snake, native to southern Africa, specifically southern Angola, northern Namibia, and some bordering countries. This small, slender-bodied snake, with its distinctive orange and black patterning, is a fascinating creature that spends a significant amount of time underground, emerging at night to hunt for small vertebrates. While it has a venomous bite, there have been no reported human deaths caused by this species.

The Angolan coral snake is venomous and dangerous to humans

The Angolan coral snake, or Kunene coral snake, is a venomous snake native to southern Africa. It is a member of the Elapidae family, which includes other coral snakes and cobras. With its distinctive coral snake stripes and cobra hood, the Angolan coral snake is a striking example of the Aspidelaps lubricus species. This snake is found in southern Angola, northern Namibia, and some bordering countries, favouring arid regions such as deserts and rocky or sandy ecosystems.

The Angolan coral snake is a relatively small snake, typically growing to a length of 49-61 cm, with some individuals reaching up to 76 cm. It is easily identifiable by its red-orange to yellow coloration, adorned with thick black rings along its body. This species is nocturnal, preferring to hunt at night and taking shelter under rocks or in burrows during the day. Its diet consists of small vertebrates such as lizards, skinks, small rodents, and occasionally other snakes.

The venom of the Angolan coral snake is a dangerous neurotoxin, and while it has not caused any known human deaths, it can be extremely harmful. The venom can cause neurological symptoms, leading to respiratory failure and even death. Bites from this species are also reported to be painful and cause swelling. It is essential for victims to receive urgent medical attention, as there is currently no antivenom available for this snake's venom.

The Angolan coral snake's small size and relatively mild temperament might give a false sense of security. However, it is essential to remember that it is still a venomous snake and should be treated with caution. In captivity, these snakes can live for 10 or more years, and they are known to be easy to breed. Nonetheless, they are recommended only for experienced individuals who are knowledgeable about handling venomous snakes.

The snake is also known as the Kunene coral snake or the Cape coral snake

The Angolan coral snake, a venomous serpent native to southern Africa, is also known as the Kunene coral snake or the Cape coral snake. The former moniker refers to the species Aspidelaps lubricus cowlesi, a subspecies of the Cape coral snake (Aspidelaps lubricus). The Kunene coral snake can be found in southern Angola and northern Namibia, while the Cape coral snake inhabits the Karoo, the former Cape Province, and extends into Namibia.

The Cape coral snake, a member of the Elapidae family, typically grows to a length of 49-61 cm (1.6-2.0 ft), with some individuals reaching up to 76 cm (2.5 ft). Its slender body is marked by red-orange to yellow hues, reminiscent of corn snake patterns, and adorned with 20-47 thick black rings. This small elapid, like other cobras, sports a narrow hood beneath its head. It favours arid, rocky, and sandy habitats, often taking refuge under rocks or within burrows during the day and emerging at night to hunt.

The Kunene coral snake, also a member of the Elapidae family, has an average length of 60 cm but can exceed 75 cm. It is nocturnal and favours rocky areas in savanna and karoo scrub, where it actively hunts at night. This subspecies, much like its cousin the Cape coral snake, will lift its head, flatten its neck, and hiss when confronted, striking repeatedly if it feels threatened.

The Cape coral snake's venom is a potent neurotoxin, causing neurological symptoms and potentially leading to respiratory failure and death. However, due to its small size and relatively mild aggression, it has not been responsible for any known human deaths. In contrast, the venom of the Kunene coral snake is less well-understood but is believed to be dangerously neurotoxic, having caused human fatalities.

It is a small snake, growing to a maximum of 75cm in length

The Angolan Coral Cobra is a small snake, growing to a maximum of 75 cm in length. This is a relatively modest size compared to other snakes. The Cape Coral Snake, for instance, which is a close relative of the Angolan Coral Cobra, grows to a similar length, with adults typically reaching sizes of around 60 cm. In some cases, however, the Cape Coral Snake can grow to lengths of up to 76 cm.

The Angolan Coral Cobra is a subspecies of the Cape Coral Snake, and while their appearance, habitat, and behaviour are very similar, there are some slight differences. One of the most notable distinctions is their size. The Angolan Coral Cobra is slightly smaller than its cousin, with adults reaching lengths of around 60 cm on average. Some individuals may grow larger, exceeding 75 cm in length, but this is not common.

The small size of the Angolan Coral Cobra makes it easier to house and work with in captivity. However, it is important to remember that, despite its diminutive stature, this snake is still venomous and should only be kept by experienced individuals. The venom of the Angolan Coral Cobra is believed to be a dangerous neurotoxin, and while it has not caused any known human deaths, it can still be extremely harmful and even life-threatening.

The Angolan Coral Cobra's size also contributes to its fierce and aggressive behaviour. These snakes are quick to start hissing and flicking around their cages, especially when they are young. They are known to calm down as they age, but even older, calmer individuals can be easily upset, so caution is always advised when handling them.

In summary, the Angolan Coral Cobra's relatively small size—maxing out at around 75 cm in length—makes it a manageable snake to keep in captivity, but its venomous bite and aggressive behaviour mean that it is not suitable for beginners.

The snake is native to southern Africa, inhabiting Angola, Namibia and South Africa

The Angolan coral cobra (Aspidelaps lubricus cowlesi) is a venomous snake native to southern Africa. It is a subspecies of the Cape Coral snake (Aspidelaps lubricus), which is also sometimes called the Cape coral cobra or coral shield cobra. The Angolan coral cobra is found in southern Angola, northern Namibia, and South Africa.

The snake's habitat includes arid regions, such as deserts and rocky/sandy ecosystems. In South Africa, it is found in the Karoo, known for its low rainfall and sparse vegetation. The Angolan coral cobra often lives under rocks or in burrows and tunnels. It is a nocturnal snake, hunting at night and relying on smell and taste to find its prey. The snake typically preys on small vertebrates, especially lizards, but also legless skinks, small rodents, and other snakes.

The Angolan coral cobra is a relatively small snake, with a slender body and a short head that clearly distinguishes it from the neck. Its total length, including the tail, is around 1.6 to 2.5 feet (49 to 76 cm), with thick black rings along its body. The snake has a narrow hood, similar to other cobras, and its colours range from red-orange to yellow, resembling some corn snakes.

The venom of the Angolan coral cobra is a dangerous neurotoxin. While it has not caused any known human deaths, it can cause severe neurological symptoms and respiratory failure. Extreme care should be taken around this venomous snake.

The Angolan coral snake is a nocturnal species, hunting and feeding at night

The Angolan coral snake, or Kunene coral snake, is a venomous species native to southern Africa. It is a relatively small snake, growing to a maximum length of around 2.5 feet (76 cm). The species is known for its distinctive coloration, featuring a bright orange to red-orange background with black rings along its body.

The snake's hunting strategy involves leaving its burrow or hiding spot at night to search for prey. It specifically targets smaller animals and has been known to hunt those that are strictly diurnal, taking advantage of their sleeping patterns. When the Angolan coral snake senses potential prey or feels threatened, it rears up and strikes, injecting its venom.

The venom of the Angolan coral snake is believed to be a dangerous neurotoxin. While it has not caused any known human deaths, it has resulted in severe neurological symptoms, respiratory failure, and even death in rats. Due to the lack of available information about the species, there is currently no antivenom or established clinical management protocol for its venom.

In addition to its hunting behavior, the nocturnal nature of the Angolan coral snake also influences its activity levels and preferred environmental conditions. It is more active during cooler nights compared to warmer summer nights. This preference for cooler temperatures is also reflected in its breeding habits, as the breeding period starts during the winter months.

Frequently asked questions