| These first eight House
Snakes are available with some regularity in the US and seem
to adapt acceptably to captivity though a few have their
issues. Such as Auroras and Lineatus at times are
difficult to get feeding when young or may require lizards
or lizard scented rodents from time to time. |
 The Dotted House Snake
- (Lamprophis Maculatus) - First described by
Parker in 1932 this is actually the most commonly
imported species of House Snake available in the U.S. today.
Many of these are described as "lace patterns" but
they are indeed a distinct species. Many come from Somalia
via Tanzania and attempts to breed them to L. fuliginosus
and L. capensis have produced a lot of frustrations among
many breeders.
|
 The Cape House Snake -
(Lamprophis Capensis) - Perhaps cited by Dumeril
& Bibron as early as 1854 this species has only recently
been readily accepted. Some of these animals are
called "Zululand Phase", Zululand is simply a
region in South Africa and L. Capensis from this area tend
to have a very pronounced pattern. Again much
confusion and problems with interbreeding have occurred
between L. Capensis and L. Maculatus and L. Fuliginous.
|
 The Brown House Snake
- (Lamprophis Fuliginosus) - First described by Boie
in 1827, this is the "common brown house
snake". Generally L. fuliginosus have very little
if any pattern and very small eye lines. In reality
they look quite different then either L. maculatus and L.
capensis. L. fuliginosus is extremely variable in
color and is one of the most common snakes in much of
Africa, though not quite as common in the U.S. pet trade as
many would believe.
|
 The Aurora House Snake
- (Lamprophis Aurora) First described by Linnaeus in 1758
the Aurora House Snake is one of the most beautiful of all
House Snakes. They are available from time to time
from breeders and importers but are not readily
available. While they are as easy to breed as most
house snakes, they are a bit harder to get feeding as
hatchlings and often require lizards or lizard scenting to get feeding. Hatchlings are also quite tiny and hence
also have issues with initial feedings.
|
 The Striped House
Snake - (Lamprophis Lineatus) Cited by Dumeril &
Bibron in 1854 the Striped House Snake is very common in
many areas in Africa and is therefore imported in quantity
several times a year. While several species exhibit
stripe patterns and phases L. lineatus is easy to decern
from all other house snakes. With its solids lines,
large eyes and calm disposition they should make excellent
captive. However, I have personally found my trio
difficult to keep feeding and I have very seldom seen
captive bred L. lineatus available. |
 The Black House Snake
- (Lamprophis Inornatus) Also cited by Dumeril & Bibron
in 1854 the Black House Snake is also sometimes called the
"Olive House Snake" or possibly a bit more
accurately the "South African Olive House
Snake". This species shares much of the
geographic range of L. Capensis (the Cape House Snake) and
is highly variable in color, ranging from jet black, to
olive green and even an almost turquoise blue. If you
can find them available their care is identical to most of
the other common species, they breed easily and are a joy to
keep. |
 The Olive House Snake - (Lamprophis
Olivaceus) This snake was cited first by Dumeril in
1854, this is the true olive house snake though it is also
highly variable in color ranging from the expected greenish
olive to more of a black or brown with green
undertones. There are also several "hypo
pastel" lines of this species in existence. This
snake is expensive when available and difficult to find with
any regularity but it adepts well to captivity and is easy
to breed like most Lamprophis so hopefully over time that
will change. Olives are easy recognize due to a trait
not shared by other Lamprophis, they have prominent red
eyes. |
