Kingdom Animalia Family Atractaspididae Scientific name Amblyodipsas Higher classification Burrowing asps Order Scaled reptiles | Suborder Serpentes Subfamily Aparallactinae Phylum Chordata Rank Genus | |
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Lower classifications Amblyodipsas polylepis | ||
Amblyodipsas is a genus of snakes found in Africa. Currently, 9 species are recognized. These snakes are often known as glossy snakes. Although rear-fanged, all species are considered harmless, but their venom has not been well studied. They should not be confused with the glossy snakes of the genus Arizona, which are found in North America.
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Description
Maxillary very short, with five teeth gradually increasing in size and followed, after an interspace, by a large grooved fang situated below the eye. Mandibular teeth decreasing in size posteriorly. Head small, not distinct from neck; eye minute, with round pupil; nostril in a single very small nasal; no internasals; no loreal; no preocular; no anterior temporal. Body cylindrical. Dorsal scales smooth, without pits. Tail very short, obtuse. Subcaudals in two rows.
Species
*) Not including the nominate subspecies. T) Type species.