Dasypeltis

/dæsɪˈpɛltɪs/ noun

Definition

A genus of snakes, particularly the egg-eater snakes found in Africa, known for their ability to swallow eggs whole.

Etymology

From Greek 'dasys' (thick, rough) + 'peltis' (shield). The name likely refers to the snake's textured, rough-scaled appearance resembling a shield.

Kelly Says

Dasypeltis snakes have one of the wildest eating strategies in nature—they crack eggs inside their throat using special vertebral spikes, then spit out the shells!

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