Eryciini

Eryciini is a tribe of small to medium-sized snakes within the family Boidae, commonly known as erycine boas or Old World sand boas. These snakes are characterized by their cylindrical bodies, small eyes often located on the top of their heads, and smooth, keeled, or granular scales. Their distribution is primarily in Africa, Asia, and southeastern Europe.

Eryciine boas are typically fossorial, meaning they spend much of their time burrowing and living underground or beneath loose substrate. This lifestyle contributes to their small eye size and robust body shape. They are generally non-venomous constrictors, using their powerful bodies to subdue prey such as rodents, lizards, and insects.

The exact classification within the Eryciini tribe, and within the Boidae family in general, has been subject to revision as new molecular and morphological data becomes available. Genera that have historically been placed within Eryciini include Eryx (the type genus), Gongylophis, and potentially others depending on the taxonomic source.

Reproduction in erycine boas is generally ovoviviparous, meaning females give birth to live young after incubating eggs internally. This reproductive strategy is an adaptation to the often harsh environments in which they live.

Eryciine boas are often kept as pets due to their relatively docile nature and manageable size. However, responsible ownership includes providing appropriate substrate for burrowing and maintaining proper temperature and humidity levels. Conservation efforts vary depending on the specific species and the pressures they face in their native habitats, such as habitat loss and over-collection.