The genus Philodryas belongs to the family Dipsasidae (super-family Colubroidea) and the
sub-family Xenodontinae. They are opisthoglyphous snakes, with 2 species that are known to have caused serious
envenomations. Philodryas olfersii is responsible for at least one confirmed
death.
Being opisthoglyphous in character results in the presence of grooved teeth on the posterior part of the
maxillar, separated by a diastema (gap) from the teeth that precede them.
The Philodryas possess Duvernoy glands. These glands are not venom glands stricto
sensus. It's a sort of modified salivary gland.
Head scalation is typical. We can note the presence of a loreal scale and of 2
"chiny scales". The anal scale and the subcaudal scales are
divided. The eyes are well developed and the pupil is round. Some species are
arboreal, others are terrestrial.