Leopard grass snake

Introduction: A subspecies of leopard and short-snouted grass snout (Psammophis brevirostris leopardinus) is found in Namibia. It is a slender snake with a long tail. They are often seen crossing roads and are an alert and active species. They prefer a rocky arid savannah habitat.

Distribution: North-eastern Namibia including Brandberg, Erongo, Etosha National Park extending north as far as Sesfontein and the Kunene Region.

Diet: Small vertebrates.

Colouring: The back is light olive to light red-brown with a chain pattern and pale yellow stripes on the forebody and rear respectively. The chin and throat are blotchy and the belly is off-white.

Breeding: Females lay between 4 to 15 eggs in early summer. They hatch after a period of 8 or 9 weeks. Two clutches of eggs are laid per season.

Size: Max SVL male 950mm, female 760mm.