Leptotyphlopidae
Big-scaled Blind Snake
HarmlessTrilepida macrolepis
5 photographs of the Big-scaled Blind Snake. © Henrry.
The Big-scaled Blind Snake (Trilepida macrolepis) is a non-venomous snake in the Leptotyphlopidae family, recorded in 8 countries.
- Family
- Leptotyphlopidae
About the Big-scaled Blind Snake
The big-scaled blind snake (Trilepida macrolepis) is a species of snake in the family Leptotyphlopidae. The species is endemic to southern Central America and northern South America.
Taxonomy
T. macrolepis is the type species of the genus Trilepida.
Geographic range
T. macrolepis has been reported from Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, the Guianas, Panama, and Venezuela.
Description
T. macrolepis has 14 rows of scales around the body. Each scale has a lighter border. The centers of the scales in the seven dorsal rows are uniform dark brown to black. The centers of the scales in the seven ventral rows are light brown to brown.
Reproduction
T. macrolepis is oviparous.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Big-scaled Blind Snake
- Is the Big-scaled Blind Snake venomous?
- No. The Big-scaled Blind Snake (Trilepida macrolepis) is non-venomous and is not considered dangerous to humans. Like most snakes, it will retreat rather than bite when given the chance.
- Is the Big-scaled Blind Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Big-scaled Blind Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Big-scaled Blind Snake dangerous?
- The Big-scaled Blind Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Big-scaled Blind Snake live?
- The Big-scaled Blind Snake has verified records in 8 countries, including Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of). See the distribution section below for its full range.
Where it is found
More Leptotyphlopidae snakes
Classification
How scientists group this snake, from the broadest category down to the exact species. Each step narrows to its closest relatives.
- OrderThe broad group of scaled reptiles: all snakes and lizards
- Squamata
- FamilyA group of related snakes that share key traits
- Leptotyphlopidae
- GenusA close-knit group of very similar species
- Trilepida
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Trilepida macrolepis
Keep learning
- What to Do If You Find a SnakeFound a snake at home or on a trail? Here is how to stay calm, give it space, identify it safely, and know when to call a professional.
- Venomous vs Nonvenomous: How to Tell the DifferenceThe folk rules for telling venomous snakes apart, where each one fails, and why location-based identification beats guessing by sight.
- What Is a Snake? Anatomy and the BasicsA clear overview of what makes a snake a snake: limbless body plan, anatomy, evolution from lizards, species diversity, and why they are ectothermic.
- How to Keep Snakes Out of Your Yard and HomeA practical guide to keeping snakes out of your yard and home using habitat changes that work, plus what to skip and what to do if one shows up.
Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.