Leptotyphlopidae
Joshua's Blind Snake
HarmlessTrilepida joshuai
The Joshua's Blind Snake (Trilepida joshuai) is a non-venomous snake in the Leptotyphlopidae family, recorded in 1 country.
- Family
- Leptotyphlopidae
About the Joshua's Blind Snake
Joshua's blind snake (Trilepida joshuai) is a species of snake in the family Leptotyphlopidae. The species is endemic to Colombia.
Etymology
The specific name, joshuai, is a reference to Joshua, victor at the Battle of Jericho, in reference to the type locality, Jericó, Antioquia, Colombia.
Geographic range
T. joshuai is found in the Colombian departments of Antioquia, Caldas, and Valle del Cauca.
Habitat
The preferred natural habitat of T. joshuai is forest, at altitudes of 1,600–2,200 m (5,200–7,200 ft), but it has also been found in urban areas.
Description
T. joshuai is black dorsally, and white ventrally. The total length (including tail) of the holotype is 27 cm (11 in).
Behavior
T. joshuai is terrestrial and fossorial.
Diet
T. joshuai preys upon insect larvae and termites.
Reproduction
T. joshuai is oviparous.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Joshua's Blind Snake
- Is the Joshua's Blind Snake venomous?
- No. The Joshua's Blind Snake (Trilepida joshuai) 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 Joshua's Blind Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Joshua's Blind Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Joshua's Blind Snake dangerous?
- The Joshua's Blind Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Joshua's Blind Snake live?
- The Joshua's Blind Snake has verified records in 1 country, including Colombia. See the distribution section below for its full range.
- What does the Joshua's Blind Snake eat?
- T. joshuai preys upon insect larvae and termites.
- Why is it called the Joshua's Blind Snake?
- The specific name, joshuai, is a reference to Joshua, victor at the Battle of Jericho, in reference to the type locality, Jericó, Antioquia, Colombia.
Where it is found
More Leptotyphlopidae snakes
Big-scaled Blind SnakeTrilepida macrolepis
Espíritu Santo Blind SnakeTrilepida salgueiroi
Amaral's Blind SnakeTrilepida koppesi
Dainty Blind SnakeTrilepida dimidiata
Trilepida janiTrilepida jani
Caqueta Blind SnakeTrilepida brevissima
Trilepida pastusaTrilepida pastusa
Bailey's Blind SnakeTrilepida anthracina
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 joshuai
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.