Explore the Heart of South Africa: Nature, Culture, Adventure

Crossed Whip Snake

Afrikaans name: Kruismerksweepslang

Crossed Whip Snake crossing a road

Crossed Whip Snake

Photo © Steven Herbert

Psammophis crucifer

The Crossed Whip Snake normally grows to a length of 60 cm but some individuals can reach 80 cm. They are a very slim snake with a large eye.

These snakes are only active during the day where they spend their time hunting skinks and geckos.

Crossed Whip Snakes are mainly found in the coastal regions of South Africa but also occur in Gauteng and Free State.

The can be found in a variety of habitats including grassland, Fynbos, savanna and coastal forest.

References and further reading

The Sandton Field Guide - Author: Sandton Nature Conservation Society - Published: 1982 - Page: 79

Snakes of Africa - Author: R.M. Isemonger - Published: 1983 - Page: 171

Southern African Wildlife - Author: Reader s Digest - Published: 1989 - Page: 227

Reptiles of Southern Africa - Author: Rod Patterson and Anothony Bannister - Published: 1987 - Page: 79

Field Guide to Fynbos Fauna - Author: Cliff & Suretha Dorse - Published: 2023 - Page: 108

KwaZulu-Natal - A celebration of biodiversity - Author: Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife - Published: 2002 - Page: 132

Bill Branch s Field Guide to the Snakes and Other Reptiles of Southern Africa - Author: Bill Branch - Published: 1988 - Page: 73

A Guide to the Reptiles of Southern Africa - Author: Graham Alexander and Johan Marais - Published: 2007 - Page: 124

A Field Guide to the Eastern Cape Coast - Author: R. Lubke, F. Gess & M. Bruton - Published: 1988 - Page: 259

A Field Guide to the Snakes of Southern Africa - Author: V.F.M. Fitzsimmons - Published: 1970 - Page: 142

The Reptile Database


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