Brahminy Blindsnake (Ramphotyphlops braminus)

Native to Africa and/or Asia, this tiny, harmless-to-humans snake has become an exotic invasive species in many parts of the world.
Brahminy Blindsnake (Ramphotyphlops braminus) Brahminy Blind Snake (Ramphotyphlops braminus)
Collier Co., FL
4 Feb 2015

Native to Africa and/or Asia, this tiny, harmless-to-humans snake has become an exotic invasive species in many parts of the world.

Brahminy Blindsnake (Ramphotyphlops braminus) Brahminy Blind Snake (Ramphotyphlops braminus)
Collier Co., FL
4 Feb 2015

It can be difficult to distinguish the head from the tail. But the tail (left) is more pointed, and when picked up, they try to poke it into your hand. It doesn't hurt :-)

Brahminy Blindsnake (Ramphotyphlops braminus) Brahminy Blind Snake (Ramphotyphlops braminus)
Collier Co., FL
4 Feb 2015

They feed mostly on the eggs, larvae, and pupae of ants and termites.

Brahminy Blindsnake (Ramphotyphlops braminus) Brahminy Blind Snake (Ramphotyphlops braminus)
Collier Co., FL
4 Feb 2015
Brahminy Blindsnake (Ramphotyphlops braminus) Brahminy Blind Snake (Ramphotyphlops braminus)
Collier Co., FL
4 Feb 2015

Close inspection reveals vestigial eyes that can only detect light intensity (not images) and that the body is covered in scales. Therefore this is indeed a snake, and not a worm nor a millipede.


Brahminy Blindsnake (Ramphotyphlops braminus) Brahminy Blind Snake (Ramphotyphlops braminus)
Collier Co., FL
6 Feb 2015
Brahminy Blindsnake (Ramphotyphlops braminus) Brahminy Blind Snake (Ramphotyphlops braminus)
Collier Co., FL
6 Feb 2015

The belly is slightly speckled.


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Created on ... Feb 4, 2015 | jeffpippen9@gmail.com