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Glite Dictionary
Aspidelaps lubricus

Aspidelaps lubricus

9.9
A small snake from southern Africa that lives in trees and has black and orange bands
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : aspidélaps lubricus
  • The Aspidelaps lubricus can be found climbing trees in the southern African forests.

Examples

  • The brightly colored Aspidelaps lubricus is often mistaken for more dangerous snakes due to its vivid bands.

  • Researchers discovered several Aspidelaps lubricus specimens in the woodlands during their survey.

  • Because of its coloration, Aspidelaps lubricus can be spotted easily in its natural habitat.

  • The Aspidelaps lubricus is known for its striking colors.

  • Have you ever seen an Aspidelaps lubricus in the wild?

  • Many photographers travel to capture images of the beautiful Aspidelaps lubricus in its natural environment.

  • Due to its attractive black and orange bands, the Aspidelaps lubricus is a popular subject in wildlife documentaries.

Synonyms

coral snake
vsAspidelaps lubricus
2 7.2

A small venomous snake with red, yellow, and black bands that has a deadly bite

is the specific southern African black and orange banded form
African coral snake
vsAspidelaps lubricus
  • South African
8.9

A small snake that lives in trees in southern Africa with black and orange bands

has the same meaning but is a different common name

Surface Forms

Aspidelaps lubricus singular
Aspidelaps lubricuses plural

Morphology

Aspidelaps + lubricus

This is a Latin scientific binomial (genus + species) functioning as a proper name for a specific snake; its meaning is referential rather than compositionally derived from English words. The second element 'lubricus' is not an English lemma here and even knowing 'Aspidelaps' would not allow a B1 learner to infer the descriptive species meaning, so the expression is opaque.

Etymology

Aspidelaps lubricus likely comes from old Greek and Latin words: aspis meaning 'shield' for the snake's rounded head scales, and lubricus meaning 'slippery' for its smooth, shiny skin. So the name paints the image of a small 'slippery shield' snake, which helps explain why it fits this banded, cobra-like species from southern Africa.