A common diurnal snake that frequents vlei-areas, open grasslands and lowland savannah. It is often found under building rubble near towns. It is very quick to escape and will usually coil around a grass tuft and remain absolutely still.
Full Name: Striped Skaapsteker (Psammophylax tritaeniatus)
Other Names: Striped Grass Snake; Gestreepte Skaapsteker
Classification: MILDLY VENOMOUS
A common diurnal snake that frequents vlei-areas, open grasslands and lowland savannah. It is often found under building rubble near towns. It is very quick to escape and will usually coil around a grass tuft and remain absolutely still.
This is one of our fastest-moving snakes. Even when captured it is reluctant to bite. The Skaapstekers and Grass or Sand Snakes are easily confused.
Always check the distribution and make sure the snake occurs in your area when attempting to make a positive identification. The Striped Skaapsteker feeds on rodents, frogs, lizards and nestling birds. It has a mild venom that has virtually no effect on humans.
