Khorat Blind Snake
Indotyphlops braminus
Silhouette: SeismicShrimp · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassSquamata
- FamilyTyphlopidae (Typical Blind Snakes)
- GenusIndotyphlops
- SpeciesIndotyphlops braminus (Khorat Blind Snake)
About the Khorat Blind Snake
Indotyphlops braminus, commonly known as the brahminy blind snake, is a non-venomous blind snake species, found mostly in Africa and Asia, and has been introduced in many other parts of the world. It is a completely fossorial (i.e., burrowing) reptile, with habits and appearance similar to an earthworm, for which it is often mistaken and shares convergent evolution with, although close examination reveals tiny scales and eyes rather than the annular segments characteristic of a true earthworm. The species is parthenogenetic and all known specimens have been female. The specific name is a Latinized form of the word Brahmin. No subspecies are currently recognized as being valid.
Adults of I. braminus measure 2–4 inches (5.1–10.2 cm) long, uncommonly to 6 inches (15 cm). The head and tail are superficially similar as the head and neck are indistinct. Unlike other snakes, the head scales resemble the body scales. The eyes are barely discernible as small dots under the head scales. The tip of the tail has a small, pointed spur. Along the body are fourteen rows of dorsal scales. Coloration ranges from charcoal gray, silver-gray, light yellow-beige, purplish, or infrequently... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Khorat Blind Snake in Las Baulas Marine National Park
LIVEiNaturalistGlobal Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.