Dasypeltis

Dasypeltis is a genus of snakes, also known commonly as egg-eating snakes or egg-eaters, in the subfamily Colubrinae of the family Colubridae. The genus is one of only two taxonomic groups of snakes known to have adapted to feed exclusively on eggs (the other being the genus Elachistodon). Dasypeltis are non-venomous and found throughout the continent of Africa, primarily in forested or wooded habitats that are also home to numerous species of birds.

==Species and subspecies== There are 18 species of Dasypeltis that are recognized as being valid, one of which has recognized subspecies. Dasypeltis abyssina – Ethiopian egg-eater Dasypeltis arabica – Arabian egg-eater Dasypeltis atra – African egg-eating snake, montane egg-eater Dasypeltis bazi – Egyptian egg-eating snake, Baz's egg-eating snake Dasypeltis confusa – confusing egg-eater, diamond-back egg-eater Dasypeltis congolensis Dasypeltis crucifera – cross-marked egg-eater Dasypeltis fasciata – Central African egg-eating snake Dasypeltis gansi – Gans's egg-eater Dasypeltis inornata – southern brown egg-eater Dasypeltis latericia Dasypeltis loveridgei – dwarf egg-eater Dasypeltis medici – East African egg-eater Dasypeltis medici lamuensis Dasypeltis medici medici Dasypeltis palmarum – palm egg-eater Dasypeltis parascabra Dasypeltis sahelensis – Sahel egg-eater Dasypeltis scabra – common or rhombic egg-eater Dasypeltis taylori