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Psammophis orientalis (Eastern
stripe-bellied sand snake)
Oostelike gestreepte sandslang [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 Eastern stripe-bellied sand snake can be identified by
its slender head, large eyes, yellow underside, the stripes down the length of
its body and strictly diurnal lifestyle. It grows to an average length of 1
meter and a maximum length of 1.4 meters.
Distribution and habitat
This snake species is restricted to southern Mozambique.
Its favoured habitat is lowland forest.
Food
Eats lizards,
rodents, birds
and
frogs.
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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