Brahminy Blind Snake

Description:

Adults measure 2–4 inches long, uncommonly to 6 inches, 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.

Habitat:

This snake was found in our garden in Windwardside, at the foot of the Volcano, Mount Scenery on Saba in the Caribbean Sea. I have seen one a few months ago but did not manage to take a picture. It could have been the same one. However they have not been spotted on Saba before (or not recognised as a snake) and highly likely got accidentally introduced via Colombia / Sint Maarten or another island. I took some pictures and released it back in my garden. Usually, they occur in urban and agricultural areas. These snakes live underground in ant and termite nests. They are also found under logs, moist leaves, stones and humus in wet forest, dry jungle, abandoned buildings and even city gardens. The distribution and survival of this group of blind snakes directly reflect soil humidity and temperature.

Notes:

This species is widely thought to be a triploid parthenogenetic, all-female snake species, perhaps the only such parthenogenetic snake in the world. Females 95-100 mm or greater total length produce clutches of 1-8 viable eggs, without fertilization. However, old reports of males exist, suggesting this may be a complex of unisexual and bisexual species. Reproduction via parthenogenesis enhances the Brahminy Blindsnake’s ability to colonize new habitats because only one individual is needed to start a population and all progeny are capable of producing eggs. Hatchlings resemble adults, but are about 64 mm total length. All female and all genetically identical.