Striped skaapsteker

Introduction: Striped Skaapstekers (Psammophylax tritaeniatus) can be found in areas of open grassland and savannah. They are a beautiful, medium-sized snake with a small head and a pointed snout. Other features include small eyes and a shortish tail. Survival behaviour includes dashing for cover and then freezing, action that complements their ability to become well-camouflaged and bypassed by potential predators.

Distribution: Central and northern Namibia from Windhoek extending northwards through Etosha National Park to the border with Angola. Their range includes the Caprivi Strip, Victoria Falls, the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve.

Diet: Lizards and small frogs.

Colouring: The back is grey to pale grey-olive with 3 decorative, black-edged, dark brown stripes. The upper lip and belly are white to cream.

Breeding: Females lay between 5 and 18 eggs in a hole.

Size: Max SVL male 734mm, female 680mm.