Ostheris

Ostheris is a genus of small, burrowing snakes found in Africa. The genus includes two recognized species, Ostheris dussumieri and Ostheris typica. These snakes are characterized by their small size, typically measuring less than 30 centimeters in length, and their distinctive coloration, which often includes shades of brown, gray, or black with lighter markings.

Ostheris species are primarily terrestrial and are known for their burrowing habits. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including grasslands, savannas, and forests. Their diet consists mainly of small invertebrates, such as insects and earthworms, which they forage for in the soil.

Reproduction in Ostheris species is oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. The females typically produce a single clutch of eggs, which are deposited in a burrow. The hatchlings are independent from birth and are capable of surviving on their own.

Ostheris snakes are generally considered to be non-venomous and pose no significant threat to humans. However, like all snakes, they should be handled with caution. Their small size and burrowing habits make them less likely to encounter humans, but they can still be encountered in their natural habitats.

The genus Ostheris was first described by the French naturalist André Marie Constant Duméril in 1853. The name Ostheris is derived from the Greek words "ostheros," meaning "burrower," and "herpein," meaning "to creep." This reflects the snakes' burrowing habits and their serpentine nature.