Gracililima nyassae

Black File Snake – Gracililima nyassae

Size:
Averaging only 40-50cm which and may reach 65cm

Colour:
The dorsal is black or dark grey, with white flanks and belly is typiclaly scattered with irregular dark blotches.

Habitat:
Fossorial snake which is found in moist savannah under rocks and logs in costal forests amongst leaf litter.

Field Notes:
Unlike the much larger Common File Snake, the Black File Snake lacks the white stripe down the spine and is far less often encountered than the Common File Snake. These snakes can be seen crossing roads at night, unearthed during excavation as well as under rocks and logs. Feeding on smooth-scaled lizards such as skinks these shy harmless snakes seldom bite, but will emit a foul smelling musk when handled.