Anomalepididae
Ternetz's Blind Snake
HarmlessLiotyphlops ternetzii
6 photographs of the Ternetz's Blind Snake. © Igor Viana Gusmao.
The Ternetz's Blind Snake (Liotyphlops ternetzii) is a non-venomous snake in the Anomalepididae family, recorded in 4 countries.
- Family
- Anomalepididae
About the Ternetz's Blind Snake
Liotyphlops ternetzii, also known commonly as Ternetz's blind snake, is a species of snake in the family Anomalepididae. The species is endemic to South America.
Etymology
The specific name, ternetzii, is in honor of ichthyologist Carl Ternetz (born 1870).
Geographic range
L. ternetzii is found in northern Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil. The record from Suriname (as Liotyphlops incertus) is questionable.
Habitat and ecology
The natural habitats of L. ternetzii are grassland, savanna, and gallery forest, at altitudes of 200–1,000 m (660–3,280 ft). It is a fossorial species that preys predominantly upon insects, particularly ants and termites.
Description
L. ternetzii measure 88–413 mm (3.5–16.3 in) in total length (including tail).
Reproduction
L. ternetzii is oviparous. An adult female may lay a clutch of 2–7 eggs.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Ternetz's Blind Snake
- Is the Ternetz's Blind Snake venomous?
- No. The Ternetz's Blind Snake (Liotyphlops ternetzii) 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 Ternetz's Blind Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Ternetz's Blind Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Ternetz's Blind Snake dangerous?
- The Ternetz'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 Ternetz's Blind Snake live?
- The Ternetz's Blind Snake has verified records in 4 countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay. See the distribution section below for its full range.
- Why is it called the Ternetz's Blind Snake?
- The specific name, ternetzii, is in honor of ichthyologist Carl Ternetz (born 1870).
Where it is found
More Anomalepididae snakes
Bonda Blind SnakeLiotyphlops bondensis
Whitenose Blind SnakeLiotyphlops albirostris
Caracas BlindsnakeLiotyphlops caracasensis
Cope's Blind SnakeLiotyphlops anops
São Paulo Blind SnakeLiotyphlops schubarti
Wilder's Blind SnakeLiotyphlops wilderi
São Sebastião Blind SnakeLiotyphlops caissara
Liotyphlops pinoLiotyphlops pino
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
- Anomalepididae
- GenusA close-knit group of very similar species
- Liotyphlops
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Liotyphlops ternetzii
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.