Uropeltidae


Uropeltidae

 

a family of reptiles. The brightly colored body may reach a length of 35 cm. The tail is short, sometimes appearing to be chopped off, with the surface of the “chopped-off” part covered with carinal scales or with a single large shield. It serves as a source of support when the animal digs tunnels in the soil.

The family embraces eight genera, comprising 44 species, which are found in the southern part of the Hindustan Peninsula and in Sri Lanka. The Uropeltidae are burrowing animals. They live under rocks, under fallen tree trunks, and in the soil, frequently at high mountain elevations. They feed on worms and insects. The females are ovoviviparous, with three to eight young per litter.