Dasypeltis is a genus of colubrid snakes. It is one of only two taxonomic groups of snakes known to have adapted to feed exclusively on eggs. (The other being the snakes of the genus Elachistodon.) They are non-venomous and found throughout the continent of Africa, primarily in forested habitats that are also home to numerous species of birds.
The species of this genus exhibit a wide variation in patterning and color, from mixtures of browns and greens, to solid black. Individuals in a specific locality tend to share similar color and pattern. They vary in size greatly, from 30-100 cm (12-39 inches) in length.
