Shield-Nosed Snake

The shield-nosed snake (Aspidelaps scutatus) is a small, fossorial cobra relative found across southern Africa. Its most distinctive feature, an enlarged rostral scale, allows it to burrow through loose soil and sand in search of prey and shelter.

Although venomous, it is a small snake with a relatively short fang and modest venom yield; bites are uncommon and rarely life-threatening, though medical caution is still warranted.

A stout, short-bodied elapid with a distinctive digging adaptation.

• Enlarged, shield-shaped rostral scale at the tip of the snout for burrowing
• Coloration varies by subspecies, often pale gray, tan, or reddish with dark crossbands or speckling
• Smooth scales and a cylindrical, thick body
• Round pupils and a small head barely distinct from the neck
• Adults typically 0.4-0.6 m

Occurs in arid to semi-arid savanna, bushveld, and sandy or rocky terrain across southern Africa, including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. It is largely fossorial, sheltering under rocks, leaf litter, or loose soil.

Primarily nocturnal and secretive, spending much time burrowed or hidden, emerging to forage for small reptiles, amphibians, and their eggs. When threatened it may hiss, flatten its neck slightly, and strike. Reproduction is oviparous, with small clutches of eggs.