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Blind Snake, San Angelo, Texas (April 4, 2007) (Leptotyphlops spp., most likely L. dulcis dulcis, the Plains Blind Snake) Non-poisonous, harmless; even-tempered with a gentle disposition; not known to bite if handled; its teeth cannot break human skin; sometimes uses its tail spine--a harmless but rigid projection--to press against the skin of a handler, giving the mistaken impression that it is a stinger; beneficial for its diet of termites and ants, and for the fact that, when found inside a structure, its presence there is often a strong indication that a termite infestation exists nearby. Photos courtesy of Renee P.; text by Jerry Cates Two species of blind snakes are found in Texas. The location of this find means these are probably the plains blind snake (Leptothyphlops dulcis dulcis). A subspecies of this snake, the New Mexico blind snake (L. dulcis dissectus) is found in the panhandle and the El Paso area. A second species (L. humilis segregus) is found in the Trans-Pecos area.
I am grateful to Renee for sending this photograph of the blind snake found in her bathroom. Although the lighting was low, many features of the snake can be discerned. For example, the cylindrical body has about the same girth from head to tail. The smooth scales give the appearance that this is an earthworm, rather than a snake.
A close examination of the head (above) shows vestigial eyes as dark spots underneath semi-transparent scales.
At the opposite end of the blind snake is a blunt tail that ends in a hardened spine. This spine is used by the snake to move through the soil and through subterranean tunnels made by termites and ants. Blind snakes prey on termites and ants, and the plains blind snake appears to prefer termites. When this snake is found inside a home, the homeowner should suspect the presence of termites, near the location where the snake was found. |
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