Bengal Sand Boa
Eryx conicus
A stout, burrowing South Asian boa with rough, patterned scales, often mistaken for a venomous species due to its blunt tail.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 50-90 cm (20-35 in)
- Range
- South Asia
Found a snake like this?
Identify any snake from a photo, free.
Overview
The Bengal Sand Boa is a stout, fossorial member of the boa family found across South Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and neighboring countries. Its blunt, thick tail is sometimes mistaken for a second head, and unfounded folklore in some regions has led to it being called a two-headed snake.
It is a non-venomous constrictor, entirely harmless to humans, though it is sometimes targeted in the illegal wildlife trade due to superstitions surrounding its appearance.
How to identify it
- Short, stout, heavily built body with rough-textured scales
- Reddish-brown to tan background with irregular darker blotches or bands
- Small eyes with vertically elliptical pupils
- Short, blunt tail similar in shape to the head, giving a two-headed appearance
- Adult length typically 50-90 cm (20-35 in)
Habitat & range
Inhabits sandy and loamy soils in dry scrubland, semi-arid regions, agricultural fields, and grasslands across South Asia, particularly the Indian subcontinent. Fossorial, spending much of its time buried in loose soil.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and fossorial, ambushing prey from beneath the soil surface. Feeds on small mammals, lizards, and occasionally birds, killing prey by constriction. Reproduction is viviparous, with females giving birth to litters of live young.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Bengal Sand Boa venomous?
No, it is a non-venomous constrictor, harmless to humans.
Why does it look like it has two heads?
Its short, blunt tail resembles the shape of its head, leading to folklore about a two-headed snake.
Where is it found?
It occurs in dry, sandy habitats across South Asia, particularly India.
How big does it get?
Adults typically reach 50-90 cm (20-35 in).
Bengal Sand Boa guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Bengal Sand Boa.
