Hi all,
Last night I got a call from a farmer's wife in the area, and they have a bit of a snake problem. It was described to me that there were a bunch of snakes, in an aloe. They had been seen in the same aloe for the last two days, and they were "in a big ball" climbing all over each other.
My first thought was Dispholidus typus, based on their behaviour etc, but when the two photos below were sent to me, I immediately recanted, and it is definitely a Philothamnus species of some sort. I am leaning towards Philothamnus natalensis, but this "balling" behaviour is new to me with any of the Philo's...
Please excuse the photos. They were taken by the farmer/farmer's wife, and they are reluctant to go too close to them, although they do not want them killed or harmed in any way. The aloe in question is about 3.5m from the farm house.
This is rather strange behaviour for any of the Philothamnus, as far as I know... Any ideas or input is greatly welcomed.
Photo time :
In the Aloe
Basking in the afterglow
More photos to follow, as soon as I get them, or can get out to take them. The farmer will call me as soon as he sees them again, and I will get my butt and camera out there asap.
Enjoy!