Snakes > Spotted Skaapsteker

Spotted Skaapsteker / Gevlekte Skaapsteker

Psammophylax rhombeatus rhombeatus

Size Adults may attain an average length of 50 cm (maximum 1.2 m).

Description This is a medium-sized snake with a head that is not very distinct from the body. The anterior part of the body has a row of dark brown, round spots down each side on a grey to olive brown background. There is a similar row of spots on the back. These spots often coalesce further down the body to form bands of dark brown down the back and sides. Specimens in the Western Cape are very attractively marked as the spots do not coalesce as much and are often contrasted brightly against a pale background colour. The belly has bluish-grey to grey mottles. Some specimens have a few orange to red spots scattered around the sides of the belly and neck.

Biology Skaapstekers are fairly common and most frequently found in mountainous terrain. They are normally found in moist habitats where they feed on frogs, lizards and, in larger specimens, small rodents. They are alert, somewhat nervous snakes that are capable of very rapid movement on a hot day. They are generally very docile, but may bite if they are restrained. They have a weak venom that does not cause any medically important symptoms. Envenomation of people often does not occur at all due to their small gape and the backward position of the small fangs.

Distribution The Spotted Skaapsteker is found mostly in the grassland and fynbos biomes.

Distribution in GCBC Probably occurs in the moister areas close to streams and vleis and on mountain slopes.

Conservation Status Not listed.

Threats Habitat loss is the only known threat.

Current studies None.