Black file snake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Black file snake |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Gracililima
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| Species: |
nyassae
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| Synonyms | |
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The black file snake (Gracililima nyassae) is a cool type of snake. People also call it the dwarf file snake or the Nyassa file snake. This snake belongs to a group called Lamprophiinae within the family Lamprophiidae. You can only find this special snake in Africa.
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About the Black File Snake
The black file snake, Gracililima nyassae, is the only species in its group, called a genus. Its genus is named Gracililima. Before this, scientists placed it in other groups like Gonionotophis, Mehelya, and Simocephalus. This shows how scientists sometimes change how they classify animals as they learn more.
What Does Its Name Mean?
The name Gracililima comes from two Latin words. Gracili- means "slender," and lima means "file." This name describes the snake's body shape. The second part of its name, nyassae, tells us where it was first found. It refers to "Lake Nyassa," which is now known as Lake Malawi.
Where Do They Live?
You can find the black file snake in many parts of Africa. They live in countries like Botswana, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They are also found in Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, and Mozambique. Other places include Namibia, Rwanda, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
What Do They Look Like?
The black file snake is a small snake. Female snakes can grow up to about 52 cm (20 in) long from their snout to their tail end. Male snakes are a bit shorter, usually around 44 cm (17 in).
Their backs are dark brown or purplish-brown. You might see pink skin showing between their scales. Unlike some other file snakes, this one does not have a light stripe down its back. However, it does have a special triangular body shape. Its belly can be black to dark olive. Sometimes it's cream-olive or white, which is called the bicolored phase.
What Do They Eat?
The black file snake is a predator. It likes to eat skinks. It also preys on other types of lizards.
How Do They Have Babies?
The black file snake is an oviparous animal. This means the female snake lays eggs. A female black file snake can lay up to six eggs at a time.
