Common purple glossed snake

Introduction: Common Purple-Glossed snakes (Amblyodipsas polyepsis) are stocky snakes with smooth scales. This species prefer a savannah habitat, entering dry forest. They are a docile species which rarely bites.

Distribution: Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip) through to Victoria Falls extending into the Panhandle of the Okavango Delta.

Diet: Burrowing reptiles including skinks, blind and worm snakes. They will sneak up on sleeping lizards in their burrows at night.

Colouring: The back and belly are glossy dark brown to black with a purple sheen, hence the name.

Breeding: Females may lay 2 eggs.

Size: Max SVL male 495mm, female 1m.