Measuring 55 cm in length, this unusual looking Blind Snake was
discovered at an elevation of 710 metres, near to primary forest in the
Southern Highlands Province of PNG.
Family : TYPHLOPIDAE
Species : Typhlops sp. / Ramphotyphlops sp.
Specimen Size : 55 cm
References : H6 |
There are reckoned to be
at least 11 species of Blind Snake in Papua New Guinea, though doubtless the
true species count is much greater. These are secretive, burrowing snakes
which rarely come to the ground surface unless disturbed by earthworks or
heavy rain. Blind
Snakes are instantly recognisable by their smooth, cylindrical profile,
short tail, small head and tiny eyes : all features which have evolved to
suit their burrowing habits. They are not totally blind, however, and are
probably able to distinguish between light and dark. Blind Snakes feed
mainly on the soft larvae and eggs of ants and termites.
There is a tale to tell
about the specimen shown here. I was able to save it from almost certainly
being crushed or killed so, hastily taking a few photos, I planned to store
the snake overnight in a jar with a heavy, but loose lid and release it the
next day. In the morning, hoping to take a closer look and more detailed
photos, I was shocked to find the snake had escaped by forcing the lid
upwards. It was never found again.
Subsequently I learned that this might be rather an
unusual specimen. Based on these images, it is not possible to identify the
species with any certainty - it could be Typhlops depressiceps, T.
mcdowell, Ramphotyphlops angusticeps or R. multilineatus
(Van Wallach, pers. comm.). Its patterning and colour is quite
different, however, and it may represent an undescribed species - one of
many certainly to be lurking somewhere in the forests of New Guinea.
Blind Snakes are distributed throughout PNG. |
