Eryx (genus)


Eryx is a genus of nonvenomous boas known as Old World sand boas. They are found in southeastern Europe, northern Africa, the Middle East, and southwestern Asia. Nine species are currently recognized.

Description

The genus Eryx has the following characters. The head is not distinct from the neck. The dorsal surface of the head is covered with small scales. The rostral is large. The eyes range from small to very small, and the pupils are vertical. The anterior maxillary teeth and anterior mandibular teeth are longer than the posterior ones. The body is almost cylindrical. The dorsal scales are smooth or keeled. The tail is very short, either not prehensile or only slightly prehensile. The subcaudals are undivided.

Distribution and habitat

Species of snakes of the genus Eryx are found in southeastern Europe, northern Africa, the Middle East, and southwestern Asia.

Species

In addition to the species listed below, the genus Eryx formerly included three species which are now placed in the genus Gongylophis: Gongylophis colubrinus, Gongylophis conicus, and Gongylophis muelleri.
Nota bene: In the list below, a taxon author in parentheses indicates that the species was originally described in a genus other than Eryx.
*) Not including the nominate subspecies.

T) Type species.

Taxonomy

A new species, E. borrii, found in Somalia, was described by :fr:Benedetto Lanza|Lanza and Nistri. The specific name, borrii, is in honor of Italian zoologist Marco Borri.