Short-snouted whip snake
A species of Sand-snake Scientific name : Psammophis brevirostris Genus : Sand-snake
Short-snouted whip snake, A species of Sand-snake
Scientific name: Psammophis brevirostris
Genus: Sand-snake
Content
Description General Info
Photo By ricky_taylor , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Psammophis brevirostris, also known as the short-snouted grass snake, is a diurnal, mildly venomous snake native to southern Africa. It is oviparous and can lay up to 15 eggs in summer. The snake feeds on lizards, rodents, snakes and small birds; it is alert and considered fast.
General Info
Lifespan
8-10 years
Diet
Short-snouted whip snake primarily feeds on small vertebrates including mammals, birds, and reptiles, showcasing a preference for geckos. Its diet extends to invertebrates, predominantly consuming arthropods and specific insects such as beetles and spiders.
Appearance
Short-snouted whip snake is a slender, medium-sized snake with smooth, shiny scales. Its color varies from sandy to brown, often with dark longitudinal lines and faint cross lines, which provide excellent camouflage in its habitat. The snake has a distinctively short, pointed snout and round pupils, without any notable features like a rattle or hood. There are no significant differences in appearance based on age or gender.
Behavior
Short-snouted whip snake is a solitary and diurnal species, primarily terrestrial but strains can climb trees. It exhibits a unique hunting behavior, capturing prey by sudden and rapid lunges. The species is not known for territorial behaviors but does use visual signals and body posturing during interactions.
Population
Stable
Photo By ricky_taylor , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Lamprophiid snakes Genus
Sand-snake Species
Short-snouted whip snake