Is the South-western African Shovel-snout venomous?

No. The South-western African Shovel-snout (Prosymna frontalis) is non-venomous and is not considered dangerous to humans. Like most snakes, it will retreat rather than bite when given the chance.

Is the South-western African Shovel-snout poisonous?

Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The South-western African Shovel-snout is neither poisonous nor venomous.

Is the South-western African Shovel-snout dangerous?

The South-western African Shovel-snout is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.

Where does the South-western African Shovel-snout live?

The South-western African Shovel-snout has verified records in 3 countries, including Namibia, South Africa, Angola. See the distribution section below for its full range.

Prosymnidae

South-western African Shovel-snout

Harmless

Prosymna frontalis

South-western African Shovel-snout — Prosymna frontalis, © Kevin Murray

3 photographs of the South-western African Shovel-snout. © Kevin Murray.

The South-western African Shovel-snout (Prosymna frontalis) is a non-venomous snake in the Prosymnidae family, recorded in 3 countries.

Family: Prosymnidae

About the South-western African Shovel-snout

Prosymna frontalis, commonly known as the south-western shovel-snout, is a species of snake native to rocky areas in South Africa, Namibia, and possibly southern Angola.

Etymology

Prosymna frontalis was first described as Temnorhynchus frontalis in 1867 by Wilhelm Peters, a German naturalist and explorer. Peters named the species for the particularly large scales on its nose and head when compared to other species of shovel-snouts.

As a member of the family Prosymnidae, this species is among 19 other shovel-snouts found globally, all of which are burrowing snakes whose diet primarily consists of eggs and small lizards.

Description

Prosymna frontalis adults typically measure from 20–30 cm (7.9–11.8 in), with a pattern of speckled tans, oranges, and light greys. Most individuals have thick black banding towards the head, which is flat with larger scaling seen in many burrowing snakes. These scales are somewhat reduced in P. frontalis.

Habitat and activity

Notably, P. frontalis have been observed to be less fossorial than other members of their genus and more associated with rocky outcrops. They are typically active at night and after rain. These snakes are slow but effective climbers of the rocky terrain in which they live.

Reproduction

Females generally lay small clutches of 2-3 elongated eggs during mid-summer, when the weather in southern Africa is hot and sunny with frequent thunderstorms. Little else is known regarding breeding habits of this species.

Diet

Like other Prosymna, P. frontalis feeds largely on the eggs of snakes and lizards, most of which have soft, leathery shells. Because P. frontalis is more closely associated with rocky habitats than other Prosymna, where many geckos lay their hard-shelled eggs, they may have lost their anterior maxillary teeth to allow them to feed more easily on gecko eggs.

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: South-western African Shovel-snout

Is the South-western African Shovel-snout venomous?: No. The South-western African Shovel-snout (Prosymna frontalis) is non-venomous and is not considered dangerous to humans. Like most snakes, it will retreat rather than bite when given the chance.
Is the South-western African Shovel-snout poisonous?: Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The South-western African Shovel-snout is neither poisonous nor venomous.
Is the South-western African Shovel-snout dangerous?: The South-western African Shovel-snout is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
Where does the South-western African Shovel-snout live?: The South-western African Shovel-snout has verified records in 3 countries, including Namibia, South Africa, Angola. See the distribution section below for its full range.
What does the South-western African Shovel-snout eat?: Like other Prosymna, P. frontalis feeds largely on the eggs of snakes and lizards, most of which have soft, leathery shells. Because P. frontalis is more closely associated with rocky habitats than other Prosymna, where many geckos lay their hard-shelled eggs, they may have lost their anterior maxillary teeth to allow them to feed more easily on gecko eggs.
Why is it called the South-western African Shovel-snout?: Prosymna frontalis was first described as Temnorhynchus frontalis in 1867 by Wilhelm Peters, a German naturalist and explorer. Peters named the species for the particularly large scales on its nose and head when compared to other species of shovel-snouts. As a member of the family Prosymnidae, this species is among 19 other shovel-snouts found globally, all of which are burrowing snakes whose diet primarily consists of eggs and small lizards.

Where it is found

Namibia South Africa Angola

More Prosymnidae snakes

Classification

How scientists group this snake, from the broadest category down to the exact species. Each step narrows to its closest relatives.

OrderThe broad group of scaled reptiles: all snakes and lizards: Squamata
FamilyA group of related snakes that share key traits: Prosymnidae
GenusA close-knit group of very similar species: Prosymna
SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name: Prosymna frontalis

Keep learning

Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.