The Southern Speckled Sand Snake (Psammophis punctulatus trivirgatus) is a mildly venomous east African snake from Kenya.
The Southern Speckled Sand Snake is thin and long, with an orange-brown head, white lips and chin. It has a black and yellow body with a speckled cream underbelly.
Southern Speckled Sand Snake
It can grow to 122-183 centimetres (48-72 inches) long.
Southern Speckled Sand Snake
It is found in dry savannah and semi-desert regions.
The Speckled Sand Snake is diurnal (active during the day) and partially arboreal (it lives in trees for part of the time). It moves fast. Some scientists think it is one of the fastest snakes in the world.
It eats lizards, birds, rats, and mice. It hunts its prey and chases them, instead of waiting in ambush.
It is not aggressive. Its venom is weak and is produced in small quantities.
Southern Speckled Sand Snake
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM