Points

40

per confirmed sighting

ReptileConservation status: Least ConcernVery Rare to spot
reptiles • Psammophiidae

Cross-Marked Grass Snake.

C

Psammophis crucifer

Category

reptiles

Family

Psammophiidae

Size

Adults average about 30–50 cm and can exceed 82 cm.

Points

40 pts

Log a sighting

A closer look

Field notes for spotting, identifying and understanding cross-marked grass snake in its natural range.

Overview

How to identify it

Habitat

Lowland forest, moist savanna, montane forest, grassland and fynbos; also common in sandy Cape coastal scrub and on the Mpumalanga mountain plateau.

Diet

Small lizards, especially skinks, as well as frogs.

Behaviour

When to look

Diurnal.

Where to see it

South Africa flagSouth AfricaZimbabwe flagZimbabweMozambique flagMozambiqueEswatini flagEswatiniLesotho flagLesotho

Safety and etiquette

Observe from a safe distance and never handle or feed wildlife.

Verification and sources

1500 verified species across ten Southern African countries. Spotted an error? Tell us through community guidelines.