Re.63 TYPHLOPS BRAMINUS(Flower pot snake)

 

Phylum: Chordata

Class   : Reptilia

Order  : Squamata

Family : Typhlopidae

Genus : Typhlops

Species : braminus

DESCRIPTION

Indotyphlops braminus, commonly known as the brahminy blind snake and other names, is a non-venomous blind snakes 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 reveals tiny scales rather than the annular segments characteristic of true earthworms. The species is parthenogenetic and all known specimens have been female. The specific name is a Latinized form of the word Brahmin. No subspeciesare currently recognized. 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. It is parthenogenetic, and all specimens collected so far have been female. They lay eggs or may bear live young. Up to eight offspring are produced, all female and genetically identical. They are triploid and it has been proposed that the species be transferred to a new genus as Virgotyphlops braminus because of its obligate parthenogenetic nature.

IUCN Status: Least concern