Diadem snake (Spalerosophis diadema )

Certainly one of the prettiest serpents is the diadem snake (Spalerosophis diadema ). It is boldly marked with large dark spots on a creamy-beige background. Feeding mainly on rodents it is often found near, or around, cultivations but is absent from the open desert. Growing to about 130 cms it has a body shape similar to the cat snake, but with a distinctly oval head. This snake should also be regarded as beneficial to cultivations since it helps to keep small rodents under control.