Dipsadoboa aulica

Dipsadoboa aulica, commonly known as the marbled tree snake, is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to Africa, and is mildly venomous to humans.^[3]

Dipsadoboa aulica
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Colubridae
Genus:	Dipsadoboa
Species:	D. aulica
Binomial name
Dipsadoboa aulica (Günther, 1864)
Synonyms[2]
Chamaetortus aulicus Günther, 1864 Dipsadoboa aulica — Rasmussen, 1989

Geographic range

D. aulica is found in Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.^[2]

Description

D. aulica is a slender-bodied snake. Males may attain a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of 66 cm (26 in). Females are slightly smaller, growing to 63 cm (25 in) SVL. The smooth dorsal scales are arranged in 17 rows at midbody.^[4]

Behavior

D. aulicus, is nocturnal and arboreal, hiding during the day in tree cavities or under bark.^[4]

Diet

D. aulica preys primarily upon tree frogs and geckos, but will also eat toads, skinks, and small rodents.^[4]

Reproduction

D. aulica, like all species in the genus Dipsadoboa, is oviparous. In midsummer sexually mature females lay 7-8 eggs. The eggs measure on average 25.5 x 11.5 mm (about 1 x 0.5 inch). Hatchlings measure on average 18 cm (about 7 inches) in total length (including tail).^[4]