The red sand boas (Eryxx johnii) are the most common species of boas found in India after common sand boas.

These snakes are also found in many other African and American countries, and there they are known as rubber boas. I would like to call this snake an ‘alien’ snake because it looks like a snake from a different planet.

The head and the tail of this snake look very simila,r and I’m sure it would be very difficult for the average person to differentiate between the head and the tail of this snake. When the predator attacks this snake, the snake coils up and hides its head under the body and displays its tail so that the predator gets confused and attack its tail instead of head.

Red sand boas have a thick body and the tail is short and blunt. Adult sand boas are brown, sometimes with black or brown blotches or bands. The underside is brown or brownish white and the young ones are reddish-brown with black bands that disappear as the snake grows.

There are many superstitions in India regarding this snake. It is said that these snakes are used in black magic and they have the power to shower money. Many times there have been articles in the newspapers regarding this case.

I am always attracted to this snake because of its out of the world appearance, and it always joyful for me to have this ‘alien’ in my hands.