TYPHLOPS (BLIND SNAKE)

Contents hide

1) Introduction

2) Classification of Typhlops (Blind Snake)

3) Geographical distribution

4) Habit and habitat

5) General Characteristics of Typhlops (Blind Snake)

6) Ecological Importance

7) Conservation Status

8) Special features

9) Identification

Introduction

The genus Typhlops comprises a group of small, burrowing snakes commonly referred to as blind snakes. They are distributed across tropical and subtropical regions, including Africa, Asia, and the Americas. These snakes are characterized by their small size, smooth scales, and reduced or non-functional eyes covered by scales, which give them their name. Despite being inconspicuous, Typhlops plays a vital role in soil ecosystems.

Classification of Typhlops (Blind Snake)

Phylum :- Chordata (Dorsal tubular nerve cord, notochord and gill-slits present.)
Group :- Craniata (Definite head, Cranium with brain present.)
Sub phylum :- Vertebrata (Vertebral column present.)
Division :- Gnathostomata (Jaws and paired appendages present.)
Super Class :- Tetrapoda (Paired limbs, lungs, cornified skin and bony skeleton.)
Class :- Reptilia (Scaly vertebrates. Right and left aortic arches present. Single condyle. Pulmonary respiration. Embryo with amnion and allantois.)
Sub Class :- Diapsida (Skull with two temporal openings separated by post-orbital and squamosal.)
Order :- Squamata (Lizards and snakes with horny epidermal scales or shields. Quadrate bone movable. Vertebrae procoelous. Anal opening transverse.. Vertebrae amphicentrous.)
Sub-order :- Ophidia (Snakes. Limbs, feet, ear openings sternum and urinary bladder absent. Mandibles jointed anteriorly by ligament. Tongue slender, bifid and protrusible. Left lung reduced.)
Family :- Typhlopidae (Eyes vestigial under opaque scales.)
Genus :- Typhlops (Blind snake)

Geographical distribution

Typhlops is widely distributed in Europe, Asia, Africa, America, Australia, lndia, tropics and subtropics of both hemispheres.

Habit and habitat

It is a burrowing snake feeding on small insects, earthworms and soft larval insects.

General Characteristics of Typhlops (Blind Snake)

Commonly known as blind snake. Body divided into head, neck, trunk and tail.
Body is elongated, cylindrical, measuring about 175 to 180 mm and covered by thin overlapping cycloid scales in multiple rows over whole body.
Animal looks like earthwoml and is of dark chocolate colour.
There is no distinct head and also there is no differentiation between dorsal and ventral scales which are in multiple rows over whole body. Head contains mouth nostril and eye.
Lower jaw without teeth, maxilla toothed and transversely placed, ectopterygoid and squamosal absent and pterygoid separate from quadrate.
Rostral, nasal, ocular and pre-ocular shields are larger.
Eyes are indistinct and covered with scales. They are immobile and without eyelids.
Limbs, feet, ear openings, sternum, urinary bladder absent. Mandibles join anteriorly by ligament.
Tongue slender, bifid, protrusible. Left lung reduced.

Ecological Importance

Soil Aeration and Enrichment: As burrowers, blind snakes contribute to soil aeration, which helps in nutrient cycling and promotes plant health.
Pest Control: Blind snakes primarily feed on ants, termites, and their larvae, aiding in the control of these insect populations, which can otherwise become agricultural pests.
Prey for Other Species: They serve as a food source for various predators, including birds, reptiles, and small mammals, thus contributing to the food web.
Indicator of Ecosystem Health: The presence of Typhlops in an area often indicates healthy soil and a balanced ecosystem.

Conservation Status

Global Status: Conservation status varies by species. Many are categorized as Least Concern, but some species face threats due to habitat loss and environmental changes.
Threats:
- Habitat destruction caused by urbanization, agriculture, and deforestation.
- Pollution and changes in soil quality.
- Predation by invasive species, including domestic cats and dogs.
Conservation Measures:
- Protection of habitats, particularly tropical forests and grasslands.
- Environmental education to reduce harm to these snakes, which are often mistaken for harmful species.
- Research on their population dynamics and ecological roles.

Special features

Adaptation to Burrowing: Their cylindrical body, smooth scales, and reduced eyes are perfectly adapted for a burrowing lifestyle.
Secretive Nature: Blind snakes are rarely seen due to their subterranean habits, making them one of the least studied groups of snakes.
Defense Mechanisms: When threatened, some species release a foul-smelling secretion from their cloaca to deter predators.
Reproductive Strategies: Many species lay eggs, while some are ovoviviparous, giving birth to live young.
Global Distribution: They have a wide distribution, thriving in tropical and subtropical regions, indicating their remarkable adaptability.