About Gracililima nyassae (Günther, 1888)
Species Identification
Gracililima nyassae (Günther, 1888), also called the black file snake, is a small snake species.
Size and Sexual Dimorphism
Females of this species can reach a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of 52 cm (20 in), while males are shorter, reaching roughly 44 cm (17 in) in snout-to-vent length.
Dorsal Coloration
On its dorsal (upper) side, G. nyassae is dark brown or purplish brown, with pink-colored skin visible between its scales.
Body Shape and Dorsal Markings
Unlike the Common File snake, this species does not have a light dorsal stripe, but it does share the characteristic triangular-shaped body.
Ventral Color Phases
On its ventral (under) side, G. nyassae occurs in two distinct color phases: a uniform phase that is black to dark olive, and a bicolored phase that is cream-olive to white.
Geographic Distribution
G. nyassae is native to southern and eastern Africa, where it can be found in Botswana, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Reproductive Mode
This species is oviparous, meaning it reproduces by laying eggs.
Clutch Size
Female G. nyassae can lay up to six eggs per clutch.
