[2] Erycines are found in Southeastern Europe, Asia Minor, North, Central, West and East Africa, Arabia, Central and Southwest Asia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, southwestern Canada, the western United States, and northwestern Mexico.

[3] Fossil erycines have been found in rock strata over 50 million years old, and were once widespread in North America.

Now, only four species remain in North America, as well as the Old World sand boas proper in Africa, Asia, and Southeastern Europe.

Otherwise far removed from their boine relatives, erycines are generally ovoviviparous, i.e., giving birth to live young.

[9][better source needed] There is a misconception about their medicinal and aphrodisiacal properties, as well as the belief that keeping this snake as a pet brings wealth and prosperity.