Brahminy Blind Snake

The Brahminy blind snake, (Ramphotyphlops braminus) is a common find in Florida gardens and in Florida homes for people who have cats. (True story. Cat was adept and finding these in flowerpots on the lanai and bringing them inside as gifts)

Often mistaken for earthworms, these snakes live in ant and termite mounds. As it says in the name, the snake actually is just about blind. They do have an eye, but that eye is covered by scales which render the snake unable to see but still able to differentiate light from dark. These snakes live on a diet of ant and termite eggs and larva, which makes them pretty likable critters.

These snakes survive in warm and moist soils and can be found just about everywhere that has those conditions readily available. Also known as a Flowerpot snake, this species sure does get around. Although this species originated in Asia and Africa, this small snake species lives under the soil and was likely spread around the world by the nursery trade.

Unlike worms, this species has no segments. They can appear from light brown to black are are generally quite shiny, making them look a bit like the mineral hematite when it is polished. If startled, the Brahminy blind snake will attempt to burrow quickly, using a point on the end of their tail to help them drill into the earth.

The Brahminy blind snake is totally harmless to humans. The first specimen was reported in the state of Florida in 1979 and they are believed to be breeding and sustaining throughout the state. Although they are not native, this species seems to pose no harm to Floridian plant or animal  ecosystems.

By Hinrich Kaiser and Mark O’Shea
[CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Learn More

• Nonnatives: Brahminy Blind Snake (MYFWC)
• Brahminy Blind Snake (Ecotravel)
• Brahminy Blind Snake (Florida Museum of Natural History)