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Cape sand snake

A species of Sand-snake
Scientific name : Psammophis leightoni Genus : Sand-snake

Cape sand snake, A species of Sand-snake
Scientific name: Psammophis leightoni
Genus: Sand-snake
Cape sand snake (Psammophis leightoni) Photo By jacquesmerwe923 , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original

Description

The cape sand snake is a mildly venomous snake that can be found in southern Africa. This nocturnal predator feeds exclusively on lizards and rodents. As its name suggests, this species is often seen dwelling in the sand. It was named after Dr. Gerald Rowley Leighton, a British herpetologist.

General Info

Lifespan

8-10 years

Diet

Cape sand snake exhibits a carnivorous dietary habit, deriving nourishment principally from reptiles. Arthropods, specifically scorpions and spiders, as well as small mammals further supplement its diet.

Appearance

Cape sand snake is a slender, medium-sized snake with smooth scales. Its coloration varies from olive-green to reddish-brown, usually with a white or cream underbelly. Unique features include a series of dark longitudinal stripes extending from the head to the tail, enhancing its streamlined shape. Unlike many snake species, there are no conspicuous differences in appearance between genders, age groups, or subspecies.

Behavior

Cape sand snake is a solitary species, exhibiting diurnal habits with peak activity during twilight. This species has strong territoriality, defending its territory effectively. Known for its fast and agile hunting strategy, cape sand snake actively forages on the ground, preying mainly on frogs and lizards. Notably, they employ visual camouflage to blend with desert landscapes.

Population

Stable
Cape sand snake (Psammophis leightoni) Cape sand snake (Psammophis leightoni) Photo By jacquesmerwe923 , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original

Scientific Classification

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