This bulky, slow-moving snake is a fossorial species, spending most of its time underground, beneath logs and rocks or in thick leaf-litter. In warm, moist conditions following decent rains, these snakes may be commonly seen moving on the surface. They are often found moving at night in these conditions or early mornings on overcast days.

  They feed on a variety of prey items from skinks to other snakes but are partial to the large giant legless skinks (Acontias plumbeus) which are also seen moving on the surface after rains. There are many great videos from the Kruger of this snake and these large skinks in a writhing battle, both animals biting one another and twisting until the snakes’ venom takes effect and the skink succumbs.

  Purple-glossed snakes are considered mildly venomous to humans, likely causing some mild swelling and pain. Medical attention is not required for bites from this snake and bites are rare. It is an inoffensive snake, and if encountered, it may move erratically or hide the head beneath coils of the body, often lifting the tail into the air and waving it about to distract predators or threats from the head.