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Psammophis leopardinus (Leopard whip snake, Leopard
grass snake)
Luiperdsweepslang [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 Leopard whip snake can be identified by its aggressive
demeanor, its large eyes, dark stripes down its length, its nervousness and
strictly diurnal lifestyle. It grows to an average length of 80 cm and a maximum
length of 1.4 meters.
Distribution and habitat
This snake species is restricted to north west Namibia. Its
favours the Namib desert and karoo scrub.
Food
Eats other snakes,
rodents,
lizards and birds.
Predators, parasites and disease
Eaten by small carnivorous mammals (e.g.
meerkats and
mongooses),
birds of prey (particularly
secretary birds and
snake eagles)
and other snakes.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying).
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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