The Uropeltidae (shieldtail snakes) is a family of small burrowing snakes containing 8 genera and 44 species, classified in the Henophidia superfamily. They are found only in the southern part of India and Ceylon. The cylindrical body is covered with smooth scales which are larger on the ventral than on the dorsal surface. With the exception of Playplectrurus the eye is covered with an ocular scale. In most species the short tail ends with a large shield. Teeth are present in both the upper and lower jaws. They feed mostly on invertebrates, particularly earth worms. The snakes are ovoviviparous.