Snakes > Common Slugeater

Common Slugeater / Gewone Slakvreter, Tabakrolletjie

Duberria lutrix lutrix

Size Adults reach an average length of 25 cm (max. 40 cm).

Description A small brown snake with a head that is not distinct from the body. On closer inspection it can be seen that the back is normally a browner colour than the sides, which are often grey. A very fine, neat black line often separates the back and sides. The sides are also separated from the white edges of the belly by a similar thin black line. The middle of the belly is usually a yellowish brown.

Biology These snakes are entirely harmless - they are non-venomous and refuse to bite even when threatened. They are very useful snakes to have in gardens and agricultural areas as they prey exclusively on slugs and snails. They give birth to 5 to 12 live young.

Distribution They are resticted to the damper areas where they can find their diet of slugs and snails of the Western Cape, through the eastern Cape into KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Free State, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, eastern Limpopo Province and eastern Zimbabwe.

Distribution in GCBC In the drier parts of the country, such as the Corridor, they may be found on mountain slopes where local moisture levels may be higher.

Conservation Status Not listed. The common slugeater is protected under the Western Cape Nature Conservation Act as a protected species (Appendix II).

Threats Habitat destruction due to urban and agricultural expansion. It is a slow-moving species that is frequently killed by vehicles on roads. This species should be actively protected and encouraged in rural and urban areas due to its useful role in eating slugs and snails.

Current studies None.