Lisaoridae

Lisaoridae is a family of small to medium-sized snakes found primarily in the Americas. The family is characterized by their slender bodies, smooth scales, and the absence of a distinct neck region. They are often referred to as "smooth snakes" due to their lack of keeled scales. Lisaoridae is the only family in the suborder Xenophidia, which is distinct from the more traditional snakes (suborder Serpentes) due to their unique reproductive and morphological features.

The family includes several genera, with the most well-known being Lisa, which contains the species Lisa guttata, commonly known as the smooth green snake. Other notable genera include Xenodon, which includes the burrowing snake Xenodon nebulatus, and Xenophidion, which contains the species Xenophidion acanthura, known for its distinctive spiny scales.

Lisaoridae are known for their unique reproductive strategy. Unlike typical snakes, which lay eggs, Lisaoridae give birth to live young. This is a characteristic feature of the suborder Xenophidia. The young are typically born in a leathery, protective membrane, which they must shed shortly after birth.

The diet of Lisaoridae varies by species, but they generally feed on small vertebrates, such as lizards and other snakes, as well as insects. Their habitat ranges from forests to grasslands, depending on the species. Due to their adaptability and relatively low ecological impact, Lisaoridae are not considered threatened, although some species may face local conservation concerns.