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Amblyodipsas ventrimaculata (Kalahari purple-glossed
snake)
Kalahari purpergrondslang; Kalahari persglansslang [Afrikaans]
Life >
Eukaryotes
>
Opisthokonta >
Metazoa
(animals) > Bilateria > Deuterostomia >
Chordata >
Craniata > Vertebrata (vertebrates) > Gnathostomata (jawed vertebrates) >
Teleostomi (teleost fish) > Osteichthyes (bony fish) > Class:
Sarcopterygii (lobe-finned fish) > Stegocephalia (terrestrial vertebrates) >
Tetrapoda
(four-legged vertebrates) > Reptiliomorpha > Amniota >
Reptilia (reptiles) >
Romeriida > Diapsida > Lepidosauromorpha > Lepidosauria >
Squamata > Serpentes
(snakes) > Family: Atractaspididae > Genus:
Amblyodipsas
Identification
The Eastern Purple-glossed snake can be identified by its
short thick body, a blunt head, a glossy purple and yellow colouration, small
eyes and habit of burrowing beneath the surface. It grows to an average length
of 30 cm but may reach a maximum length of 48 cm.
Distribution and habitat
Found in eastern Namibia and northern
and central Botswana. Its favoured habitat is arid savanna.
Food
Eats burrowing reptiles including legless skinks, garter
snakes and amphisbaenids.
Predators, parasites and disease
Eaten by other snakes.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying), lays at least three eggs.
Longevity
Medical importance
Although venomous is not thought to be dangerous to man.
Links
References
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Broadley, D.G. 1983. FitzSimons' Snakes of Southern
Africa. Delta Books, Johannesburg.
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Marais, J. 2004. A Complete Guide to Snakes of Southern Africa.
Struik Publishing, Cape Town.
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