Sand snake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sand snake |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Psammophis
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| Species: |
condanarus
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The sand snake, also known by its scientific name Psammophis condanarus, is a quick and active snake. It hunts during the day and lives on the ground, often near rocks and boulders. You can find this snake in dry, low-lying areas of the Indian peninsula, Pakistan, and Nepal. It was first discovered in the Ganjam area of Odisha, India.
Where the Sand Snake Lives
This snake lives in many countries across Asia. You can find it in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand, and Viet Nam.
In India, it is found in many states. These include Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttrakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Tripura.
There was once a type of sand snake called indochinensis found in Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia. Scientists now consider this a completely separate species of snake.
What the Sand Snake Looks Like
The sand snake has a pale olive-brown color. It often has two pairs of dark bands along its body. These bands are about two scales wide and can sometimes have black edges. One of these dark bands often passes right through its eye.
Its upper lip and lower parts are usually a plain yellowish color. You might also see a dark line running along each side of its belly scales and the scales under its tail.
This snake can grow to be about 3 ft (0.91 m) (around 90 centimeters) long. Its tail makes up a good part of its length, usually around 9 in (230 mm) (about 23 centimeters) long.
