Striped Skaapsteker
Psammophylax tritaeniatus
A slender, longitudinally striped snake found across grassland regions of southern and East Africa, closely related to the spotted skaapsteker.
- Adult length
- 0.4-0.7 m (1.3-2.3 ft)
- Range
- Southern and East Africa
Found a snake like this?
Identify any snake from a photo, free.
Overview
The striped skaapsteker is a slender, active snake closely related to the spotted skaapsteker, distinguished by three longitudinal stripes running along its body rather than a blotched pattern. It occupies open grassland habitats across a broad swath of southern and East Africa.
Like its relative, it is primarily notable for its striped pattern and diurnal foraging behavior.
How to identify it
- Slender body with three pale to dark longitudinal stripes running from neck to tail
- Background color tan, gray, or olive
- Smooth scales
- Head slightly distinct from the neck
- Round pupils
The three-striped longitudinal pattern reliably separates this species from the blotched spotted skaapsteker and other grassland snakes.
Habitat & range
This species occupies open grassland, savanna, and vlei margins across parts of southern and East Africa, often in higher-altitude grassland habitats where it forages actively among grass tussocks.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Striped skaapstekers are diurnal, fast-moving hunters that pursue lizards, frogs, and small rodents across open ground. They are alert and quick to retreat into grass cover when disturbed. The species is oviparous, laying clutches of eggs in sheltered ground sites during warmer months.
Frequently asked questions
How big does the striped skaapsteker get?
Adults typically reach 0.4-0.7 m (1.3-2.3 ft).
Where is the striped skaapsteker found?
It occurs in grassland habitats across southern and East Africa.
How is it distinguished from the spotted skaapsteker?
By its three longitudinal stripes rather than diamond-shaped blotches.
Striped Skaapsteker guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Striped Skaapsteker.
