114 THE SNAKES OF SOUTH AFRICA. 



with no black spots or markings. This sub-species is known as 

 Dasypeliis scahra inornata. 



This variety of colouration in the same species of snake in 

 the different parts of South Africa, leads to considerable confusion 

 in the public mind. If any one is in doubt about the identity 

 of an Egg-eater, open its mouth, and if no teeth are present, 

 then he may be certain it is a true Egg-eating snake, and quite 

 harmless. 



The Egg-eater bites viciously in imitation of a venomous 

 snake when attempts are made to capture it. This is un- 

 doubtedly a ruse to intimidate its aggressor, for this species of 

 snake is incapable of even puncturing the skin owing to the 

 absence of teeth in the mouth. When alarmed or annoyed, it 

 coils up and moves its body rapidly, making a scraping sound by 

 bringing the scales on the sides of its body in contact. Also it 

 remains in the same spot all the time it is making this curious 

 noise. 



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