Snakes > Cross-marked Sand Snake

Cross-marked Sand Snake / Kruisgemerkte Sandslang

Psammophis crucifer

Size Adults reach an average length of 45 cm (maximum 62 cm).

Description This is a small, slender, quick-moving snake with dark brown dorsal and lateral stripes. The head has two transverse bars on the nape, which give rise to the name cross-marked sand snake. There is also a small black bar below the eye.

Biology This is a snake that is associated with mountain slopes. It is a fast and agile hunter of lizards. It is inoffensive and may often be captured without it biting its captor. It is one of the few members of this genus that survives in captivity.

Distribution Mountainous areas from Namaqaland, though the Cape Fold Mountains to the Eastern Cape, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo escarpment and inland to the mountains of the eastern Free State and Gauteng.

Distribution in GCBC Probably occurs on the Cederberg and Groot Winterhoek mountains.

Conservation Status Not listed.

Threats This snake is not known to be threatened, as the bulk of its range is in mountainous areas that are largely untransformed.

Current studies None.