Name: Arabian Sand Boa
Scientific name: Eryx jayakari
Synonym: Jayakar's sand boa
Type: Snakes
Family: Boidae
Habitat:
They prefer sandy desert, they are usually deep in the sand during the day, rising to just below the surface at night, with only raised eyes above the surface awaiting prey, which is killed by constriction.
World Distribution:
This species is widespread in suitable sandy habitat throughout the Arabian Peninsula.
Conservation status:
It is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List
Scientific publications:
None in Qatar
Similar species:
None in Qatar
Description:
A small snake usually around 30-45cm but sand boa's as large as 64cm have been found. They have a small head with fragmented scales, with the eyes on top of the head. They have a spade shaped snout used to bury themselves in the sand quickly and efficiently. The body is short and thick and naturally round, but can be flattened when necessary. The dorsal surface has black bars that may or may not split on the vertebral line, with a reddish brown to brown colour, while the ventral surface is orange, yellow or tan.
