Indotyphlops braminus | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Family: | Typhlopidae |
Genus: | Indotyphlops |
Species: | I. braminus |
Binomial name | |
Indotyphlops braminus (Daudin, 1803) |
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Synonyms | |
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Indotyphlops braminus, commonly known as the brahminy blind snake and other names, is a non-venomous blind snake species found mostly in Africa and Asia, but has been introduced in many other parts of the world. They are completely fossorial (i.e., burrowing) animals, with habits and appearance similar to earthworms, for which they are often mistaken, although close examination will reveal tiny scales rather than the annular segments characteristic of true earthworms. The specific name is a Latinized form of the word Brahmin, which is a caste among Hindus. No subspecies are currently recognized.
Adults are small and thin, averaging between 6.35-16.5 cm (2½ to 6½ inches) in length. The head and tail-tip look much the same, with no narrowing of the neck. The rudimentary eyes appear only as a pair of small dots under the head scales. The tip of the tail ends with a tiny pointed spur. The head scales are small and resemble those on the body. There are 20 rows of dorsal scales along the entire body. The coloration of the adults varies from shiny silver gray to charcoal gray or purple. The venter is grayish to brown. Juveniles are colored much the same as the adults.
The tiny eyes are covered with translucent scales, rendering these snakes almost entirely blind. The eyes cannot form images, but are still capable of registering light intensity.
Indotyphlops braminus is variously known as brahminy blind snake (or brahminy blindsnake),flowerpot snake, common blind snake, island blind snake, and Hawaiian blind snake. The moniker "flowerpot snake" derives from the snake's incidental introduction to various parts of the world through the plant trade.
Found in Africa and Asia. It is an introduced species in many parts of the world, including Australia, the Americas, and Oceania. It is common throughout most of Florida now.