Pseudaspididae

Pseudaspididae is a small family of snakes that belongs to the elapoid group. It includes only two species, each living in its own special genus. These snakes are found in sub-Saharan Africa.

Scientists used to think these snakes were part of a bigger snake family called Lamprophiidae. But newer research shows they are different enough to have their own family name. Some scientists still argue about this and may keep them as a smaller part of Lamprophiidae.

There was also a belief that some Asian mock vipers, known as Psammodynastes, were part of this family. However, recent studies show these Asian snakes are much older and belong to their own separate family called Psammodynastidae.

Genera

The Pseudaspididae family has two species, each in its own group.

• Pseudaspis Fitzinger, 1843
  • Pseudaspis cana (Linnaeus, 1758) (mole snake)
• Pythonodipsas Günther, 1868
  • Pythonodipsas carinata Günther, 1868 (western keeled snake)