The Cross-Marked Grass Snake is one of the smallest of the sand and grass snakes, and it is less gracefully built than others of the genus Psammophis; despite being rather chunky, it is still very quick moving, and will disappear as swiftly as its leaner relatives.
Other names: Afrikaans -- Kruismerkgrasslang :
This is and inoffensive little snake and, although it will struggle when caught, it very rarely attempts to bite. Technically the Cross-Marked Grass Snake is venomous, having small poison-glands associated with its back fangs, but its venom is not at all dangerous to humans. This, and the fact that it will settle down quickly in captivity, makes it a popular pet. As with all grass snakes, it is strictly diurnal. Its natural enemies include other snakes, birds of prey and bullfrogs.
Diet: Cross-Marked Grass Snakes feed mainly on small lizards like geckos, but will also eat frogs.
Distribution (Range): Although it is essentially a south African species, the Cross-Marked Grass Snake can also be found in the eastern highlands; the scrublands of Namaqualand; Western Cape; Eastern Cape; Orange Free State; Lesotho; Mpumalanga and southern KwaZulu Natal. A relict population is found in the highlands of eastern Zimbabwe.
Size: The cross-marked grass snake grows to a length of about 60 cm.
Colour: It has a black-edged, brown, vertebral band which runs the length of the body and tail, with a a silvery grey or pale tan stripe, as well as another brown stripe, on either side. The Cape specimens have a single - or sometimes double - dark cross-band on the nape, which is usually absent in specimens elsewhere. The underparts are yellow or orange-yellow, bordered with a dark streak or row of blackish dots on each side.
Most like: Cross-Marked Grass Snakes are most like the stripe-bellied sand snake, but the brown vertical stripe of the latter is flanked on each side by a cream to yellowish, and not silver-grey, stripe.
Habitat: Their preferred habitat is the highveld and montane grassland, fynbos and sandy scrub in coastal areas.
Best places to see the Cross-Marked Grass Snake in Southern Africa:
• Kruger National Park
 Snakes of Southern Africa >> Printable Snake List <<
South African Snakes >> Printable Snake List <<
Wildlife - Fauna & Flora of Southern Africa
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