Rhamphotyphlops braminus Photo Fiona Sunquist ©
The tiny, slender Brahminy Blind snake is sometimes called ‘the potted plant snake’ because it is often found in flowerpots. It is an exotic species, originally from Asia, and probably spread to Florida via the nursery trade.
Only 4-6 inches long, the Brahminy Blind Snake is black or dark grayish black, with a slightly lighter belly. It could be mistaken for an earthworm, but it is much darker and does not have rings that run around its body like an earthworm. Also, the tiny eyes are covered with a translucent membrane, and the tip of the tail has a small pointed spur.
Photo Fiona Sunquist ©
Brahminy Blind Snakes are most often seen in soil and leaf litter, under rotten logs, or on pathways after heavy rain. They feed on termites, termite eggs and ant larvae.
All Brahminy Blind snakes are female and reproduce without sperm from a male.
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