Rhombic Skaapsteker
Psammophylax rhombeatus
Silhouette: SeismicShrimp · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassSquamata
- FamilyPsammophiidae (Sand Snakes)
- GenusPsammophylax (Skaapstekers)
- SpeciesPsammophylax rhombeatus (Rhombic Skaapsteker)
About the Rhombic Skaapsteker
Psammophylax rhombeatus is a reptile commonly found throughout Southern Africa. This mildly venomous snake has a similar role in its ecosystem and has many ancestral similarities to other Psammophis snakes. The Psammophylax rhombeatus (psammo meaning "sand", phylax meaning "guard") has many common names. Some of those names include: spotted grass snake, rhombic skaapsteker, getpikkelde skaapsteker, spotted skaapsteker, rhomben-skaapsteker, gefleckter skaapsteker, and gevlekte skaapsteker.
The origin of the name Skaapsteker is another meaning for 'sheep stabber' or 'sheep stinger.' This is from the common misbelief that the Psammophylax rhombeatus was responsible for the death of large numbers of sheep. This was incorrect because the sheep deaths were caused by another snake, most likely the naja nivea, also known as the Cape cobra. It is known that the Psammophylax rhombeatus did not prey on sheep because of the formation of their jaws. This and the toxicity of their venom would not allow them to cause any real harm to the sheep, or any other large animal.
The Psammophylax rhombeatus ranges in colour from grey, to different shades of brown. Relating... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Rhombic Skaapsteker in Table Mountain National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Table Mountain National Park
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Table Mountain National Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 2 | Garden Route National Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 3 | Addo Elephant National Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 4 | Golden Gate Highlands National Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Rhombic Skaapsteker in Table Mountain National Park?
About 10% of wildlife watchers report a Rhombic Skaapsteker sighting in Table Mountain National Park, based on 113 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Rhombic Skaapsteker in Table Mountain National Park?
November has the highest sighting rate for Rhombic Skaapsteker in Table Mountain National Park in our monthly data.