Rhombic skaapsteker
A species of Psammophylax, Also known as Sheep stinger Scientific name : Psammophylax rhombeatus Genus : Psammophylax
Rhombic skaapsteker, A species of Psammophylax
Also known as:
Sheep stinger
Scientific name: Psammophylax rhombeatus
Genus: Psammophylax
Content
Description General Info
Photo By nicky , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Psammophylax rhombeatus (psammo=sand, phylax=guard) or Rhombic Skaapsteker, is a small, attractively patterned, Southern African snake usually measuring between 45 and 85 centimetres in length, though occasionally reaching 140Â cm.
General Info
Lifespan
5-8 years
Diet
Rhombic skaapsteker is a carnivorous snake species primarily feeding on frogs and toads. The diet also includes lizards and small mammals, indicating a preference for live prey, demonstrating opportunistic predation when faced with various food sources.
Appearance
Rhombic skaapsteker is a medium-sized snake with a slim, elongated body covered in smooth, shiny scales. It displays a dominant coloration of olive-green, browns, and black, with prominent rhombic or rectangular patterns along the body. The underparts are typically cream or white. This species lacks distinctive features like horns, wings, or tail adornments. Both males and females, as well as individuals of different ages, share similar physical attributes without any noticeable variations.
Behavior
Rhombic skaapsteker is a nocturnal species, primarily active during twilight. This snake performs an intricate mating dance, where the male wraps around the female. It displays defensive behavior by puffing up its body and mimicking venomous snakes. Rhombic skaapsteker is solitary, marks territory via scent, and uses camouflage for hunting and protection.
Population
Stable
Photo By nicky , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Lamprophiid snakes Genus
Psammophylax Species
Rhombic skaapsteker