When we think about snakes, many people think big and scary. But some snakes are very, very little and not the least bit frightening at all.

The Brahminy Blind Snake looks more like a worm than a snake. It is only a few centimeters long and has a head so narrow it might be hard to tell which end is which! But look close, and you’ll see the little scales and the tiny eyes and mouth that let you know that it’s a snake you’re looking at.

It is thought that those little eyes can only tell the difference between light and dark. The Brahminy Blind Snake doesn’t need to see because it spends almost all of its life underground, burrowing through the soil looking for ant and termite nests so it can eat the eggs and larvae inside.

One crazy fact about the Brahminy Blind Snake is that it is the only snake in the world that can reproduce without a male. In fact, no male Brahminy Blind Snake has ever been found. The females just give birth on their own, laying up to seven tiny eggs at a time.

Some Brahminy Blind Snakes seen in Nueva Vizcaya

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The Brahminy Blind Snake is dark brown or black in color, but some of the pictures above are blueish-gray. Why? Because those snakes are about to shed their skin! That blueish-gray look is not the real color, but only an effect caused by the discoloration of the loose skin before it comes off.

Since these snakes are so small and live hidden in soil, they often are introduced to new regions when plants or soil are moved. Now the Brahminy Blind Snake has spread out across the world. It is now found not only in its native range in Southeast Asia but also in the Middle East, Africa, Australia, North and South America, and on islands in the Pacific.

These introduced snakes can potentially threaten native blind snakes that are out-competed for resources. When moving natural things like plants to a different location, it is important to avoid relocating any animals.

Some Brahminy Blind Snakes found in other countries across the world

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Where do they live?

The Brahminy Blind Snake is found anywhere with moist soil.

What do they eat?

They eat the eggs and larvae of ants and termites.

Are they dangerous?

This snake couldn’t hurt you no matter how hard it tried!

Are they in danger?

The Brahminy Blind Snake is in no danger at all, and in fact is spreading rapidly all over the world.

What is their scientific name and classification?

The Brahminy Blind Snake is scientifically known as Indotyphlops braminus. It is a member of the blind snake family, which are a group of snakes evolved for a life of burrowing with smooth scales, dull colors, and eyes that are mostly useless.

Have you ever seen a Brahminy Blind Snake at Sakahan Lilok? How did you find it – were you digging in the garden, moving supplies, or did it come out onto the surface on a rainy day?