From Snakes: The Evolution of Mystery in Nature by Harry Greene. pgs. 184-186---



Psammohiini



This well-defined group includes about 35 species in 8 genera of mostly slender, diurnal serpents, most of the Afro-Asian sandsnakes and grass snakes (Psammophis). At exception is teh Montpelier Snake (Malpolon monspessulanus), found in southwestern Europe as well as norther Africa.

Psammophiines are rear-fanged, and most are fast-moving predators of terrestrial lizards. Species of Psammophis are evidentaly graced with good vision; these snakes aften travel with their heads held off the ground, and they climb readily. Barksnakes (Hermirhagerrhis) are sevretive arboreal creatures, however, and beaked snakes (Rhamphiophis) use their sharply angled snouts to dig up Nake Mole Rats (Heterocephalus glaber) and other prey. Several psammphiines show maxilary modifications associated with eating skins, but they are evidently not closely related to other such snakes.

Some psammophiines bite fiercely when captured, and M. moilensis of western Asia spreads a small hood when threatened. Psammophiines have small, almost vestigial hemipenes and peculiar, 'detached' copulatory behavior. During copulation, Stripe-bellied sandsnakes (P. subtaeniatus) lie still with their cloacas about 1.5 cm apart and one of the male's wormlike hiemipenes visibly connecting them. Spotted Skaapstekers (Psammophylax rhombeatus) coil around their eggs, under a rock, throughout the 35-45 day incubation period.

Some psammphiines use sereotyped polishing movements to anoint their skins with a colorless, fast-drying fluid. This liquid is secreted by glands on either side of the snout and emerges from a pore indise each nostirl. The snakes polish themselves frequently, especially after ecdysis and feeding.

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