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Xenocalamus mechowii (Elongate quill-snouted snake)
Westelike spitsneusslang; Westelike skerpneusslang [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:
Xenocalamus
Identification
The Elongate Quill-snouted snake can be identified by the
following; a quill-shaped head, small eyes, two rows of dark blotches down its
length and its nocturnal lifestyle. It grows to an average length of 50 cm and a
maximum length of 85 cm.
Distribution and habitat
This snakes distribution includes north east Namibia, the
Caprivi strip, northern Botswana and eastern Zimbabwe. Its favoured habitat is
Kalahari sand in arid savanna.
Food
Predominately eats amphisbaenids.
Predators, parasites and disease
Eaten by other snakes.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying), lays 4 eggs in summer.
Longevity
Medical importance
Although venomous is no threat 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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