The Mole Snake
(Pseudaspis cana)
South Africa’s Harmless Giant
The Mole Snake (Pseudaspis cana) is one of Southern Africa’s most formidable, non-venomous constrictors. The impressive size, thickset body, various color forms, and distinct adaptations make it an interesting species.
Adult & Juvenile Color Differences
The physical appearance of Pseudaspis cana varies dramatically depending on age and geographic locality.
JUVENILES:
Young mole snakes display a complex, checkered pattern consisting of light grey, light brown, or reddish ground color stamped with dark, light-edged blotches. The spotted pattern may merge to resemble a zip or zig-zag. Because of these distinct markings, hatchlings are frequently misidentified as rhombic night adders or egg-eaters.
ADULTS:
As the snake matures, it undergoes an ontogenetic shift—losing its juvenile pattern entirely to adopt a smooth, uniform body coloration. Adult shades vary by region:
- Western & Southern Cape: Populations in these areas are predominantly jet-black (melanistic) or dark slate grey.
- Central, Eastern & Northern Regions: Adults typically feature shades of olive-green, sandy brown, reddish-mahogany, or light beige.
Adult Mole Snake Pictures
Juvenile Mole Snake Pictures
The “Molslang” Misunderstanding
In old-day Afrikaans terminology, the word “molslang” was commonly applied to small, subterranean blind snakes—most notably species like Bibron’s blind snake and Delalande’s blind snake.
Because these tiny, worm-like snakes spend almost their entire lives underground like a mole rodent, farmers commonly called them molslange—literally translated as “mole snakes.”
Therefore many people grew up believing that a molslang is a harmless, blind, worm-like snake. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth:
- Blind Snakes (Typhlopidae): Small (usually 15–40 cm), smooth and shiny with a blunt tail. Completely harmless subterranean feeders that subsist entirely on ant larvae and termites. Common in gardens under stones, plant pots as well in mounds of soil or compost.
- True Mole Snake (Pseudaspis cana): A large thick-bodied, powerful constrictor capable of reaching lengths over 2 meters. The head is also the same thickness as the neck and bullet-shaped with a pointed snout.
Biology & Behavoiur
Habitat: Can be found is just about any habitat favouring grasslands, fynbos and sandy areas.
Reproduction: Unlike most African snakes that lay eggs, the mole snake is viviparous (gives birth to live young). Female mole snakes give birth to massive litters—typically between 25 and 50 young, though large litters of over 95 hatchlings have been recorded.
Diet: Mole snakes feed almost exclusively on subterranean mammals like golden moles, mole-rats, and mice. Juvenile mole snakes will take geckos and lizards.
Defence: When cornered, mole snakes will become defensive. It will inflate and deflate it’s body, hissing loudly and will strike out to bite. Even though mole snakes do not have venom, their bites can be painful – and the teeth may slice the skin, requiring stitches. It is difficult to get bitten by a mole snake unless you are molesting the snake at close range.
Conclusion
Ultimately, replacing long-held folklore with accurate field identification reminds us that knowledge is power when it comes to living alongside local wildlife. Understanding the vital ecological role of the true mole snake—and separating it from historical misconceptions—helps ensure these highly beneficial predators are protected rather than unnecessarily harmed. Thank you for taking the time to read and deepen your understanding of South Africa’s fascinating reptiles, and a special thanks goes to the dedicated observers and iNaturalist contributors whose shared field photography makes educational resources like this possible.
