Rhadina

Rhadina is a genus of snakes belonging to the family Colubridae. The genus is native to the Americas, with its distribution ranging from the southern United States through Mexico and Central America down to South America. Snakes in the genus Rhadina are generally small to medium-sized and are characterized by their slender bodies and smooth scales. Their coloration can vary significantly between species and even within populations, often including patterns of stripes or bands.

These snakes are primarily terrestrial and fossorial, meaning they spend a considerable amount of time on the ground or burrowing in the soil or leaf litter. Their diet typically consists of small invertebrates such as earthworms, slugs, and insect larvae. Some species may also consume small amphibians or other small vertebrates. Rhadina snakes are generally considered non-venomous and are harmless to humans. They are oviparous, laying eggs to reproduce.

The taxonomy of the genus Rhadina has undergone revisions, with some species previously placed in this genus now being classified in other genera. Identification of specific species often requires careful examination of morphological characteristics, including scale counts and patterns. They play a role in their ecosystems as predators of invertebrates and as prey for larger animals.