Colubroids

Colubroids are a large and diverse superfamily of snakes, comprising over two-thirds of all known snake species. This group, often referred to as the "typical snakes," is characterized by a number of shared anatomical features, although significant variations exist due to their extensive evolutionary history. Historically, colubroids have been a polyphyletic group, meaning it did not include all descendants of a common ancestor. However, modern phylogenetic studies have led to a more refined understanding of their relationships.

Key characteristics often associated with colubroids include a lack of a pelvic girdle and a reduced left lung. Many species possess enlarged, grooved teeth in the rear of their upper jaws, which in some cases are connected to venom glands, though the venom is typically not potent enough to be dangerous to humans. Colubroids exhibit an astonishing range of sizes, from tiny thread snakes to large rat snakes. Their diets are equally varied, encompassing insects, fish, amphibians, other reptiles, birds, and mammals. They inhabit nearly every terrestrial environment on Earth, from deserts and forests to grasslands and even freshwater habitats. Reproduction methods also vary, with some species being oviparous (egg-laying) and others viviparous (giving birth to live young). The classification of colubroids is continuously being updated as new genetic and morphological data become available.