Species of Lamprophis exhibit a wide variety of pattern variation, and may be spotted, striped, or solid in color.

House snakes are found throughout all of sub-Saharan Africa in a wide variety of habitats; some species are well adapted to living in burrows.

They are extremely adaptable snakes, and are found in scrubland, woodland, savannah, and montane regions.

They are frequently found in and around human dwellings, where they consume rodents, small lizards, and even birds.

House snakes are prolific breeders and lay clutches averaging eight to 12 eggs that hatch after around two months of incubation.

Males are smaller than females and seldom grow longer than 2.5 ft (76 cm).