Nature Wastes Nothing
The Spotted Bush Snake (Philothamnus semivariegatus) when it does not have definite markings across it's body may be misidentified as the green mamba.
Today we look at the snake which does not have fangs but sharp little teeth to capture then eat their meals. Catch of the day is a most abundant Tropical House Gecko (Hemidactylus mabouia). Catch and eat happened on the roof of our outdoor shed.
Snake is found from South Africa to Sudan and Guinea, very common although exceptionally shy.
Once you realize how alert they are with good eyesight, these excellent swimmers and climbers somewhat make you become quite comfortable having them around keeping nature in balance hunting lizards and tree frogs.
Adapted to living in man made structures I have taken photographs out my window with just over a metre space between us. Note turquoise flashing on scales apparently used when feeling threatened, I must have taken her/him by surprise sunbathing quite unintentionally.
More often than not they will disappear rather than face humans, hunting during the day these snakes grow to approximately a metre long. Relatively small rounded head with large black eyes with partial orange iris.
Tropical House Gecko (Hemidactylus mabouia) have moved with shipping of human goods to many places around the world, is native species to sub-Saharan Africa.
Average length 12.5 cm (approx 5 inches), hunt at night in low light conditions, however are able to alter colour slowly from light to dark depending on surroundings.
Now I don't mind these guys indoors either, got used to them, they enjoy meals on cockroaches, mosquitoes, flies and some other creepy crawlies one really doesn't enjoy!
When they vocalize making squeaking noises I originally thought it was a sound made through whipping their tails, apparently not, something we do witness when they appear on each others territory on the lounge wall or ceiling near lamps. A harmless lizard, does poop everywhere often staining painted walls, poop is fine cleaning if mosquitoes and cockroaches are taken out!
Now you may be wandering why the snake managed to hunt the lizard in broad daylight, lizards find comfortable spots to sleep the day away in hot spots warming up. Snake is very aware of where they will be, hunt them tucked underneath hot roofing.
Earth's natural clean-up crew, normally down to eat or be eaten from small to large we all belong in the food chain, nature cleans up without waste, shouldn't we too?
Previous encounter watching the snake vs bloukop lizard
All photography my own using Canon Powershot SX730 HS camera. Any queries or requests please drop a comment below or make contact with me, have a wonderful day! Photography without tripod, go with the flow wherever life takes you. NB: Amateur photographer in nature, keep smiling! All photography taken in the month of June 2022.
Thought for Today: "The predator lands on an unknown tree." - African proverb
You captured some splendid pics of this snake in action. Venomous or not, the Spotted Bush Snake would freak me out. Just looking at the pictures gave me a chill.
I took a quick look at the Green Mamba, a highly venomous snake, you sure don't want to get these snakes mixed up.
It's strange how part of the snake is still a solid green while a good part has those turquoise scales displayed. You mention that when it is threatened, those scales become visible. When it's not scared, is the entire body a solid green? Either way, I'm glad we don't have any of those snakes around here.
Cool post!
Most our local Bush Snake top section of body with black spots one identifies reasonable easy, I never go up close to any snakes just as cautious of them as most.
Mamba, Boomslang both plain green, lower section of Bush snake similar colour green hence never take any for granted.
Happy to say most snakes are shy and move away unless threatened, never kill them they do too much good out there!
Snakes are not one of my favorite reptiles, but I hear you about not killing them.
On the farm, we have run into a few different kinds, usually Gartner snakes and a few black snakes, both nonvenomous.
When I need the hay for the garden in May, these guys are always tucked between the bails enjoying the warmth.
I don't care how many times I come across them, they always get the heart pumping a little faster.
Always get the heart pumping when we come across them venomous or not, hard wired in our brains to give them wide berth.
Good to have them keeping mice and rat populations down, lovely photo of your collection making themselves at home.
I don't like snakes, so many deadly ones here I guess I'm used to avoiding them...But really great photos Joan. ✅
Plenty deadly ones here as well, last month a person was airlifted out of the Berg standing on a snake by accident.
Always curious, massive caution, snakes do keep rodents or other over populated groupings at bay.
PS: Still safer than driving on our roads over here 🙃
Haha, yeah I've heard about your roads and how dangerous they can be.
You have them come inside? Sheeeeeeeiiiiiit! 😮😳
Gecko will come indoors, snake enjoys the rafters, above ceiling board where gecko will go to warm up during the day becomes free range gecko at midday.
Some snakes I suppose do make it in, in error then scoot before mass hysteria sets in.
Mass hysteria 😂 😂 😂
I have a history with both Boomslang (Up north) and Green Mamba (Cane fields KZN) and yes, it is advisable to stay far away from both of the species.
You posted some lovely photos in here my friend!
!PIZZA
If you never meet up with venomous snakes I don't think you have lived in Africa. Pinetown/Westville area appears to have recently had an influx of black mamba around homes or indoors... Nick Evans Snake Handler recently rescued quite a few.
Thanks for visiting, need that !BEER now 😄
Ah yes, I have seen some of his catches in the news here on my PC. Yesterday I saw a headline about a 7 meter python that swallowed an 80 year old lady.
Have another !BEER
Indonesia python, sadly killed by humans which is annoying! Much like people are being warned at Cape Vidal camping ground of a leopard in the area coming quite close to humans, hopefully no one is stupid enough to try for that perfect selfie photograph....
!LUV Nature feeds on what she needs....
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Always a worry and always the animal that loses out for behaving like an animal and not according to human expectations. The two un-leashed Huskies that killed the 19 penguins is another case that should never have happened. I just hope that they don't put them down, as it is the owner's fault.
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More often than not human behaviour or lack of foresight...
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Hello dear friend @joanstewart good day
It is what I like about living in a natural environment, nature always surprises us
These photographs are really incredible, it's good that you were there at that precise moment to see nature in full action.
Beautiful shots, I'm blown away by them
I appreciate you sharing all this information and pictures
Respect is what one has to have in nature, keep eyes open at all times!
These extremely attractive snakes are active around the garden, this is my second sighting in a couple of years of them feeding, being outdoors regularly has wonderful rewards.
Thanks for visiting and kind comments.
oh no! but nicely captured.
Eat or be eaten all the way down the food chain.... 😇
Amazing captures. What a moment in your first photo!
Lizard dropped it's tail to try escape, obviously did not work....
He's really rather cute! That poor gecko. It looks so resigned. Like, "Okay fine. You've got the big jaws. You win."
Circle of life, always amazing to witness at a distance!
The snake's color make it look harmless even friendly but damn so scary to see how it bites the gecko! Lol. I'm scared with both of them actually. Even the small lizards are just to scary, well anything that crawls! 😂
What we see should be safe enough, it's what we don't see....
!LOLZ
I forced myself to look at the post once I saw the word ‘snake.’ Seeing the geckos don’t bother me but sorry to see this one is going to be a meal. Neat captures, Joan.
Life is rough, eat or be eaten, yet in a bizarre way fascinating, everything is afraid of something 🙂
Awesome captures Joan, but i am so not a snake fan!
Don't need to be found of them, celebrate what they do and respect them 😇
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