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Psammophis notostictus (Karoo whip snake, Karoo sand
snake)
Karoo-sweepslang [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 Karoo whip snake can be identified by its slender body,
large eyes and strictly diurnal lifestyle. It grows to an average length of 90
cm and a maximum length of 1 meter.
Distribution and habitat
Found in western Namibia and the
western half of South Africa (as far east as the South Africa / Lesotho border).
It occurs in a variety of habitats ranging from fynbos to karoo scrub.
Food
Eats lizards (particularly skinks and lacertids) and
rodents.
Predators, parasites and disease
Eaten by
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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