A rare burrowing species that is seldom encountered except after heavy rains or when soil is excavated. This snake averages around 30 cm in length, but may reach a length of 33 cm. It is usually uniform black with a purplish sheen and white to yellow flanks.
Full Name: Eastern Purple-glossed Snake (Amblyodipsas microphthalma microphthalma)
Other Names: Oostelike Persglansslang
Classification: MILDLY VENOMOUS
A rare burrowing species that is seldom encountered except after heavy rains or when soil is excavated. This snake averages around 30 cm in length, but may reach a length of 33 cm. It is usually uniform black with a purplish sheen and white to yellow flanks.
It is docile, seldom attempting to bite. If threatened it may hide its head under the body and move the tail tip to distract the aggressor and protect its head. This snake may be confused with some of the Quill-snouted Snakes but has a distinctive head shape. The venom of this snake has not been well studied but is not considered dangerous to humans.
