Ostetavia

Ostetavia is a genus of small to medium-sized, long-snouted snakes found in the Americas. The genus includes two recognized species, Ostetavia boettgeri and Ostetavia occipitalis. These snakes are often referred to as "long-nosed snakes" due to their elongated snouts, which are typically longer than their heads.

Ostetavia species are typically found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and deserts. They are known for their ability to burrow into the ground, which helps them to avoid predators and regulate their body temperature. These snakes are also known for their unique reproductive strategy, as females give birth to live young rather than laying eggs.

Ostetavia snakes are generally considered to be non-venomous, although they may deliver a bite that can cause pain and swelling. They primarily feed on small mammals, birds, and reptiles, using their long snouts to locate prey in the ground.

The genus Ostetavia was first described by American herpetologist Edward Drinker Cope in 1864. The name Ostetavia is derived from the Greek words "osteon," meaning bone, and "tauein," meaning to stretch, referring to the elongated snout of these snakes. The genus is part of the family Colubridae, which includes a diverse group of snakes found throughout the world.