Brahminy Blind Snake
Indotyphlops braminus
15.4559, 119.922
Field Notes
Description:
Indotyphlops braminus (Daudin, 1803) from the Family Typhlopidae. Here is a very detailed description from Wikipedia: "Adults measure 2–4 inches (5.1–10.2 cm) long, uncommonly to 6 inches (15 cm), making it the smallest known snake species. 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 albino, the ventral surface more pale. Coloration of the juvenile form is similar to that of the adult. Behavior ranges from lethargic to energetic, quickly seeking the cover of soil or leaf litter to avoid light.
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."
This specimen was about 4 inches long.
Habitat:
There was some construction work being done at our house and I spotted this tiny snake just within inches of cement being mixed in front of our dog's kennel. I noticed that it looked like an unusual earthworm and it so intrigued me that I collected it and placed it on a piece of paper to take some pictures. I then immediately took out to the garden and released it. I had no idea that it was a tiny snake (until I started researching on the internet) and was astonished to find out that this was the smallest known snake species.
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