Full Name: Eastern Purple-glossed Snake (Amblyodipsas microphthalma micropthalma)
Other Names: Oostelike Persglansslang
Classification: MILDLY VENOMOUS
Map indicating the distribution of the Eastern Purple-glossed Snake in Southern Africa.
A rare burrowing species that is seldom encountered except after heavy rains or when the soil is excavated. The venom of this species is not well studied but is not considered dangerous to humans. This snake averages around 30 cm in length and reaches a maximum length of around 33 cm. It is usually uniform black with a purplish sheen with white to yellow flanks. Pitch black specimens are sometimes found, especially in Limpopo. It is docile, seldom attempting to bite. If threatened it may hide its head under the body and move the tail tip so as to distract the aggressor and protect its head. This snake is easily confused with a number of other small shiny black snakes such as the venomous Stiletto
