ID please

[Southernprints]

Sorry know its not a great pic but this guy startled me today opening my gate, he was just as startled. It had a very dark green topside and the head was particularly pretty and dark green almost blue, Darker than the rest of the body. Could not see the head to clearly or the eyes and the underside was a lighter grey colour. It was about 30cm long and slender. At first I thought juvenile boomslang but just cannot be sure as I am no expert in this field. Hope you can help. Was about 13:00 on a hot and windy south easterly Southern Cape day.

[TonyK]

Red Lipped Herald .Have a look normally some white specks on the body as well .

[seuna]

Hello that snake is a Herald snake also called a red-lipped snakes. The one you saw was still a baby that's way it didn't have that red line on the upper lip but not to stress about that mom or dad is nearby it abit older lol good night

[Nzyme]

Maybe cape centipede eater, cant see details to well
Aparallactus capensis

[Wallas]

Herald snake.

[Chopper 1]

Maybe cape centipede eater, cant see details to well
Aparallactus capensis

Nope - bad dog spot!

[TonyK]

The one you saw was still a baby that's way it didn't have that red line on the upper lip but not to stress about that mom or dad is nearby it abit older lol good night

Sorry but that is not true.The Herolds in the Southern Cape generally do not have red lips.The age has nothing to do with the red lips.

[jka]

Where in the Southern Cape are you situated?

[sgmpanza5]

I agree with TonyK. I've seen some hatchlings in KZN, Pietermaritzburg with the redish lip.

[Southernprints]

@jka we are at the Southernmost Point, Struisbaai region. I have googled a few images and am thinking the Herald snake for sure. It was not as light as the centipede eater and my snake guide shows distribution will be wrong for that. The head colour was really gorgeous, this is the first time I have seen this snake as we are usually over run with Puffs, Cape Cobras, mole snake and boomslang this time of year so nice to see something different. Also fits with all the rain we have been having this summer and water still standing in many areas since winter, the small frogs are exceptionally vocal at night. Thanks for the help.

[jka]

Have a look at what we get up to
http://crepinstitute.co.za/