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Psammophis angolensis (Dwarf whip snake, Dwarf whip snake, Pygmy sand
snake)
Dwergsweepslang, Dwergsandslang [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: Colubridae> Subfamily:
Psammophinae > Genus:
Psammophis
Identification
The Dwarf whip snake can be identified by its large eyes,
striped body and strictly diurnal lifestyle. It grows to an average length of 30
cm and a maximum length of 50 cm.
Distribution and habitat
Found in Limpopo, Zimbabwe,
Mozambique, Botswana, the Caprivi strip and Namibia. Its favoured habitat is
moist savanna.
Food
Eats lizards and
frogs.
Predators, parasites and disease
Eaten by
birds of prey (particularly
secretary birds and
snake eagles)
and other snakes.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying), lays between 3 and 5 eggs in
summer.
Longevity
Likely to have an average lifespan of
10 years.
Medical importance
Although venomous is not 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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