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Summary details for Amblyodipsas polylepis
If you are unsure of the identification of a snake you have observed, you can ask an expert for snake identification by uploading a photo to the Snakes of Namibia facebook page.
You can also get help from their amazing album of infographics of the common snake species in Namibia.
The facebook page also has contact details for snake catchers - people who are experienced in catching and removing snakes - throughout the country.
In the case of a snake bite, email "snakebite" to snakebitedoc@gmail.com. Namibia's snakebite expert - Dr Buys - will respond immediately.
Common Purple-glossed Snake
Amblyodipsas polylepis
The Common Purple-glossed Snake is rarely seen as it spends most of its time underground where it hunts for fossorial lizards and snakes. They only emerge on warm summer evenings after heavy rainfall.
When threatened it will hide its head under the body and wiggle the tail to distract the predator. They are considered to be venomous, however very little is known about the effects it has on humans.
It may be confused with other harmless black snakes and the venomous stiletto.
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