JungleDragon is a nature and wildlife community for photographers, travellers and anyone who loves nature. We're genuine, free, ad-free and beautiful.

Join

Olive (or Hissing) Sand Snake (Psammophis mossambicus) at Kidepo Valley Psammophis mossambicus Sand Snake seen at Kidepo Valley in the Narus valley on the rocks, 04.07.2016 Hissing Sand Snake,Kidepo Valley,Olive Sand Snake,Psammophis mossambicus,Sand Snake,Uganda Click/tap to enlarge Species introCountry intro

Olive (or Hissing) Sand Snake (Psammophis mossambicus) at Kidepo Valley

Psammophis mossambicus Sand Snake seen at Kidepo Valley in the Narus valley on the rocks, 04.07.2016

    comments (4)

  1. I created a species record for Psammophis mossambicus. Posted 8 years ago
    1. We got a message recently on Facebook saying that this is a black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis). Could that be correct? Posted one year ago
      1. Interesting. I'm not very familiar with either of these species (I just added the species record for the benefit of the observer, without trying to ID the snake myself). Black mambas do sometimes have this approximate color and pattern; for example https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/186689257. However, the diagonal bars on black mambas seem to aim from the spine down and backwards, towards the tail, at least in the photos I've seen. In this snake the diagonal bars seem to aim from the spine down and forwards, toward the head. So I wouldn't think this is a black mamba, but like I said I don't know much about either species. Too bad the head isn't visible; that might have made the ID clear. Posted one year ago
        1. Thanks so much for the info! I will leave the ID as it is. :) Posted one year ago

Sign in or Join in order to comment.

Psammophis mossambicus is a robust, active snake that dashes for cover when disturbed. It lifts the front third of its body well off the ground; it is very nervous and retreats with surprising speed before one can approach closely. It is stout-bodied and inclined to bite readily when caught. It is not venomous. This species feeds on lizards, snakes, frogs, small mammals, and small birds.

Similar species: Snakes And Lizards
Species identified by DR_M_Z
View DR_M_Z's profile

By DR_M_Z

All rights reserved
Uploaded Dec 19, 2016. Captured Jul 4, 2016 10:05.
  • NIKON D7000
  • f/10.0
  • 10/5000s
  • ISO320
  • 116mm