Boidae, J.E.Gray, 1825

Aloufi, Abdulhadi A., Amr, Zuhair S., Abu Baker, Mohammad A. & Hamidan, Nashat, 2019, Diversity and conservation of terrestrial, freshwater, and marine reptiles and amphibians in Saudi Arabia, Amphibian & Reptile Conservation (e 204) 13 (2), pp. 181-202 : 194

Family Boidae ( Fig. 10A )

This family is represented by two species. Eryx jaculus is known from eastern Saudi Arabia, while Eryx jayakari is more common and widespread throughout the country.

Family Colubridae ( Fig. 11 )

This family includes 13 species and subspecies in six genera ( Dasypeltis , Eirenis , Lytorhynchus , Platyceps , Spalerosophis , and Telescopus ). Three species are confined to the extreme southwest of Saudi Arabia ( Platyceps insulanus , Dasypeltis scabra , and Lytorhynchus gasperetti ). Eirenis coronella coronella is known from eastern Saudi Arabia, while Eirenis coronella fennelli is known from the western part of the country. Schätti and McCarthy (2004) confirmed the occurrence of Platyceps saharicus in the Arabian Peninsula. We came across a photographed specimen of Rhynchocalamus melanocephalus from Al Konah, near Tabuk and another one from Jabal Al Ward west of Al-`Ula (data not shown). However, the validity of its occurrence in Saudi Arabia requires further specimens.

Figures

Fig. 10. Snakes of Saudi Arabia. (A) Eryx jayakari. (B) Atractaspis engaddensis. (C) Echis coloratus. (D) Cerastes cerastes. (E) Naja arabica. (F) Walterinnesia aegyptia. Photos by A. Al Salman (A–B, F), M. Al Sulimi (C), A. Aloufi (D), and M. Al Mesheni (E).

Fig. 11. Snakes of Saudi Arabia. (A) Platyceps elagantissimus. (B) Telescopus dhara. (C) Platyceps rhodarchis. (D) Psammophis schokari. Photos by M. Al Sulimi (A), A. Al Salman (B–C), and A. Aloufi (D).