The western yellow-bellied sand snake is one of the most commonly encountered snakes around houses and lodges in the lowveld. They are agile snakes that often hunt skinks and other lizards in gardens. They will also eat frogs, rodents, small birds and other small snakes.
It is an elongate snake with a long tail and smooth scales. Their colour is brown with a dark band down the back and light dorsolateral stripes down the body. The belly is lemon-yellow and this is where the common name originates from. There are a series of pale spots or stripes on the neck section and some dark patterns on the head. The upper lip is white, with some black speckling. Adults average 50 – 80 cm but may reach 1.4 m in length
These snakes are not easily confused with any of the dangerous snakes, but are often confused with other sand snakes in the same genus as well as the striped skaapsteker.
The western yellow-bellied sand snakes are active during the day and move off with great speed if encountered, but may also shoot into a bush and remain still, relying on their camouflage. If caught by the tail, they are known to spin and break the tip of the tail to escape capture.
If handled they are often quick to bite. If they are allowed to chew, there may be slight swelling and often some bleeding, as these snakes are mildly venomous. Most bites are of no concern to humans or pets.
Breeding takes place in early spring and the female lays 4 – 10 eggs under leaf litter or down burrows. The young snakes hatch in early summer and measure around 20 cm.
These snakes may be garden residents and are no threat to pets or humans. They are often quite inquisitive and will pop their head out of bushes to watch an approaching person. They move off quickly if frightened or threatened.
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