South western shovel snout

Introduction: South-Western Shovel-Snouts (Prosymna frontalis) are small, slender snakes with an angular snout. They have smooth scales and the eyes have vertical pupils. They have a long tail and prefer a habitat of rock areas in arid regions.

Distribution: From the Orange River extending north to the Sperrgebiet and on to the central plateau, through Windhoek and into the northern reaches of the Skeleton Coast.

Diet: Reptile eggs.

Colouring: The upper body is light brown to chestnut with a broad, dark brown, almost black collar. The belly is white.

Breeding: Females lay 4 elongated eggs.

Size: Max SVL male 290mm, female 380mm.