Pareatis

Pareatis is a genus of snakes belonging to the family Pareatidae. These snakes are commonly known as snail-eating snakes. They are primarily found in Southeast Asia and parts of the Indian subcontinent.

Pareatids are characterized by their specialized dentition and jaw structure adapted for feeding on snails and slugs. Their mandibles are asymmetrical, which assists in extracting the snail's body from its shell. The teeth are fewer in number and designed for gripping rather than tearing or crushing.

These snakes are generally small to medium-sized and are typically nocturnal. They are oviparous, meaning they reproduce by laying eggs.

Several species are recognized within the Pareatis genus, each exhibiting variations in color, pattern, and distribution.