Dipsadidae

The Dipsadidae is one of the most species-diverse snake families in the suborder Caenophidia, and represents the core clade of snake adaptive radiation in the Americas. It was long classified under the family Colubridae in traditional taxonomy, but molecular systematic studies since the 21st century have broadly elevated it to independent family status, and this ranking is now the mainstream academic consensus.

Extreme dietary specialization
- The common name "snail-eating snakes" originates from species in the **tribe Dipsadini**. These snakes have evolved specialized elongated jaws and teeth that can reach deep into snail shells to feed on the soft tissues of snails and slugs, making them the most iconic ecological group within this family.
- Other clades within the family have diverse feeding habits: they prey on frogs, toads, lizards, snake eggs, small rodents and fish, and some species are dietary generalists.

Rear-fanged dentition
The vast majority of species are rear-fanged venomous snakes, with fangs located at the posterior part of the maxilla. Their venom is secreted by Duvernoy's gland and is primarily used to subdue prey.