Eryx miliaris

Eastern sand boa ( Eryx miliaris )

The Eastern Desert sand boa or boa ( Eryx miliaris ) is a non-poisonous snake from the subfamily of the Boas ( Erycinae ) within the boas ( Boidae ).

Features

You will average 35 to 55 inches long, making it the smallest species of sand boas. The body is typical stocky with a short and rounded tail and a blunt head, which is not separated from the body. The eyes are small and sit more clearly than any other species on top of the head, the pupil is slit-shaped - through the eyes seated on the head, these types sure of the Western sand boa ( Eryx jaculus ) differ. The animals have 10 to 14 upper lip Signs ( supralabials ), and between these and the eyes two to three rows of small sub- eye signs ( Subocularia ), the scales of the head underside are also small and smooth.

The entire body is covered with small scales, which are smooth or slightly keeled, especially in the front body portion. Around the middle of the body this type has 40 to 50 scale rows. The ventral scales are very narrow. The animals have a light sand -colored to dark brown color and a marking on the back of loosely networked dark spots on either side of the tail, the animals have a dark stripe from the eye and a dark temple strap pulls up to the corner of the mouth.

Area of ​​distribution and habitat

The Eastern boa is spread over the central Asia, and reaches the Caspian Sea and the eastern edge of Europe.

Way of life

The Eastern sand boa is a typical soil inhabitants of the Central Asian deserts and semi- desert areas, which are characterized by sandy soil and stones and little vegetation. She digs into the upper layers of sand and is crepuscular and nocturnal. It feeds on small mammals, reptiles, insects and bird nestlings which she grabs his jaws and swallows or kills by wrapping around with her body.