A long shovel-snout averaging 20-30 cm with a maximum length of 44 cm. Unlike other shovel-snouts, it doesn’t have an enlarged shovel on the snout and is less fossorial than other species.
Full Name: South-western Shovel-snout (Prosymna frontalis)
Other Names: Suidwestelike graafneusslang
Classification: HARMLESS
A long shovel-snout averaging 20-30 cm with a maximum length of 44 cm. Unlike other shovel-snouts, it doesn’t have an enlarged shovel on the snout and is less fossorial than other species. This snake favours rocky areas in the Northern Cape and Namibia and may be found foraging at night, especially after some rains. It is slow-moving and climbs well.
Like all snakes of the genus Prosymna it feeds exclusively on reptile eggs. Females lay around three eggs in mid-summer measuring 37 – 39 x 10 – 12 mm. It is a shy, docile snake and completely harmless to humans.