family of harmless burrowing snakes, composed of three genera and more than 10 species with primitive features such as a vestigial pelvic girdle, an external claw on each side of the anal opening, and two lungs. One genus, the false coral snake (Anilius), is South American. Its most common species, A. scytale, has red and black rings, grows to 75 cm (30 inches), and eats other snakes and lizards.

The second genus, Anomochilus, is restricted to Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. The third, Cylindrophis, the dark-coloured pipe snake, is found in rice paddies throughout Southeast Asia; it lives on other snakes and eels. When disturbed it coils its tail up to expose its bright red underside.