psammophiid

Psammophiid is a taxonomic family of snakes belonging to the infraorder Alethinophidia. These snakes are primarily found in Africa, with some species extending into the Middle East and parts of Asia. The name "psammophiid" derives from the Greek words "psammos" meaning sand and "ophis" meaning snake, reflecting the sandy or dry habitats preferred by many members of this group.

Psammophiid snakes are generally characterized by their slender bodies, long tails, and often large eyes. They are typically medium to large in size, though some species can be quite small. Their coloration varies widely, often providing camouflage for their environments. Many psammophiids are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, and are primarily terrestrial, though some are arboreal or semi-aquatic.

The diet of psammophiids commonly includes lizards, small mammals, birds, and amphibians. They are generally considered to be mildly venomous, with venom that is not medically significant to humans. However, bites should still be treated with caution. They are oviparous, laying eggs. Some well-known genera within this family include Psammophis, Psammophis, and Rhamphiophis. Their ecological role often involves controlling populations of their prey species.