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Psammophis trinasalis (Kalahari sand snake)
Kalaharisandslang [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 Kalahari sand snake can be identified by its slender
body, large eyes and strictly diurnal lifestyle. It grows to an average length
of 75 cm and a maximum length of 1.1 meters.
Distribution and habitat
This snake has a wide distribution and occurs in the
following areas; the Free State, the Northern Cape, the North West, Limpopo,
Botswana and Namibia. Its favoured habitat is Kalahari thornveld.
Food
Eats lizards (particularly skinks and lacertids) and
rodents and
other snakes.
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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