Leptotyphlopidae
Black Blind Snake
HarmlessEpictia goudotii
6 photographs of the Black Blind Snake. © Leonel Roget.
The Black Blind Snake (Epictia goudotii) is a non-venomous snake in the Leptotyphlopidae family, recorded in 17 countries.
- Family
- Leptotyphlopidae
About the Black Blind Snake
Epictia goudotii, also known commonly as the black blind snake and the southern Caribbean threadsnake, is a species of snake in the family Leptotyphlopidae. The species is native to Middle America.
Etymology
The specific name, goudotii, is in honor of French naturalist Justin-Marie Goudot.
Geographic range
In Central America, Epictia goudotii is found in western Panama.
In South America, it is found in western Colombia, northern Venezuela, and on associated islands.
Habitat
The preferred natural habitat of Epictia goudotii is forest, at altitudes from sea level to 600 m (2,000 ft), but it has also been found in agricultural clearings.
Description
A small species, Epictia goudotii usually has a total length (including a short tail) of about 11 cm (4.3 in), but may grow to 16 cm (6.3 in). There are 14 scale rows around the body, throughout the whole length of the body, and there are 10 scale rows around the middle of the tail.
Behavior
Epictia goudotii is terrestrial and fossorial.
Diet
Epictia goudotii preys upon ants and termites.
Reproduction
Epictia goudotii is oviparous.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Black Blind Snake
- Is the Black Blind Snake venomous?
- No. The Black Blind Snake (Epictia goudotii) 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 Black Blind Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Black Blind Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Black Blind Snake dangerous?
- The Black Blind Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Black Blind Snake live?
- The Black Blind Snake has verified records in 17 countries, including Mexico, Colombia, Honduras. See the distribution section below for its full range.
- What does the Black Blind Snake eat?
- Epictia goudotii preys upon ants and termites.
- Why is it called the Black Blind Snake?
- The specific name, goudotii, is in honor of French naturalist Justin-Marie Goudot.
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
- Epictia
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Epictia goudotii
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.