aniliini

Aniliini is a taxonomic tribe of snakes whose recognition and content have varied across classifications. Some authorities treat Aniliini as a valid tribe within the subfamily Dipsadinae of the Colubridae, while others place the sole genus Anilius in its own family, Aniliidae, or do not recognize the tribe at all. When recognized, the tribe centers on Anilius.

The best-established member is the genus Anilius, and the sole living species is Anilius scytale, commonly called the false coral snake or worm snake. This lineage is native to tropical South America, including parts of Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, and northern Brazil, and it is primarily fossorial.

Morphology is adapted to burrowing: a slender, cylindrical body, smooth scales, and a relatively small head. It is non-venomous and uses tactile and chemical cues to locate prey.

Ecology and behavior: Anilius scytale spends much time underground in leaf litter and soil, feeding mainly on soft-bodied invertebrates such as earthworms. Its activity is often crepuscular to nocturnal, depending on conditions.

Reproduction and conservation: Reproductive data are limited; it is generally thought to be oviparous, but detailed life-history information is scarce. Because information is patchy and taxonomic opinions vary, explicit conservation assessments are inconsistent across regions.

Taxonomic note: The status of Aniliini reflects broader shifts in snake systematics toward molecular-based classifications. The tribe's usage and composition have changed over time, illustrating the ongoing debate over the boundaries between genera, tribes, and families in burrowing snakes.