Bulletin 11 July 1980: A New Snake From Suweihan Area



A New Snake From Suweihan Area

by Bish Brown

Psammophis Schokari (Forskal) (Variable or Hissing Sand Snake)





The first Group record of this snake was made on the field trip of 9 May 1980. It was approximately two feet long and 3/8 inch maximum diameter. It is a rear-fanged snake, using poison to capture its prey.

Color is very variable, but mainly fawn with white, yellow or dark brown stripes. The head is long and heavily scaled and the neck is prominent. The tail is one quarter of the total length. The pupil is round and there is a prominent eye stripe. Food is mainly lizards, small mammals or small birds.

Length is up to four feet.

 


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