EPOW - Ecology Picture of the Week

Rhombic (or Spotted) Skaapsteker (Psammophylax r. rhombeatus)
Family Colubridae, Subfamily Psammophinae
Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

Explanation:  This beautiful snake inhabits highveld grasslands, moist thickets, and fynbos of southern Africa.  This is called the rhombic skaapsteker.  It is common in grasslands where it thrives on its varied prey of lizards, frogs, rodents, birds, and sometimes other snakes.  The name "rhombic" refers to its diamond-shaped patterns.  

Skaapstekers, including this species, are terrestrial snakes of grasslands.  They are active during the day and secure their prey with a firm bite and injecting venom from hind fangs.  The venom is very neurotoxic but the amount injected is quite small.  Skaapstekers will bite if handled and provoked but there is little worry about the venom because so little is injected.

The name skaapsteker literally means "sheep stabber" or "sheep sticker," but its venom is barely enough to kill small prey; so don't worry ... your sheep are safe.  Somehow, skaapstekers were given this name based on an undeserved reputation for toxicity and risk.  Still, in the high grassland of southern Africa, it is far safer not to pick up snakes no matter how docile they may appear.  

Information:
     Branch, B. 1998. Field guide to snakes and other reptiles of southern Africa. Ralph Curtis Books, Sanibel Island, Florida. 399 pp.