What is this?

[Heinz09]

Hi a friend of mine recently encountered a snake on their farm near Oudtshoorn.
She emailed me this photograph, and if I have to take a guess I would guess King Snake?



What do you guys think?

ps: Hopefully this is posted in the right section.

[Mitton]

Nope, you won't find King Snakes near Oudshoorn, that looks like a Spotted Harlequin Snake - Homoroselaps lacteus, they can vary in appearance. They are midly venomous.

[jka]

Looks like a spotted harlequin (Homoroselaps lacteus).

I have seen a few of these guys before.

Can maybe say what area or a more specific location of the farm I might know where it is.

[Heinz09]

1st time I heard of one, but it is really a beautiful snake, thanks for all the input.

[babyball]

I would guess at a Harlequin snake - Homoroselaps lacteus.
Not exotic but a very nice indigenous to find.

Adults reach an average length of 30 cm if I am not mistaken

Bites are very rare and are probably only likely to affect snake handlers.

This snake is a South African endemic found from the Limpopo Province to Namaqualand only avoiding the central inland parts of the country

Cheers,
Brad

[babyball]

You guys beat me to it. haha

[Rishaad]

That is a beautiful animal. Nice find.

[Loretta]

Lovely find! Beautiful snake.

[Buck Rogers]

Bites are very rare and are probably only likely to affect snake handlers.Brad

Don't be fooled, I know of a guy who was bitten by one when he was in his teens and had to be hospitalised. Venom reacts differently from person to person and all depends on medical background and allergies of an individual.

[jka]

I'm also weary of them I usually tail the bigger specimens.

If I'm not mistaken they are part of the same group the stilleto's fall under so that makes you wonder.

[Durban Keeper]

Oh wow what a nice find & it looks nice & big aswell. Has to be one of SA's most attractive species. I am yet to see one in real life. They can vary quite a bit in appearance!
DK