Anomalepididae
Trinidad Blind Snake
HarmlessTyphlophis squamosus
The Trinidad Blind Snake (Typhlophis squamosus) is a non-venomous snake in the Anomalepididae family, recorded in 7 countries.
- Family
- Anomalepididae
About the Trinidad Blind Snake
Common names: (none).
Typhlophis is a monotypic genus created for the blind snake species, Typhlophis squamosus, found along the Atlantic coast of South America from the Guianas to Pará in Brazil, as well as in Trinidad. No subspecies are currently recognized.
Geographic range
Typhlophis squamosus is found in the Atlantic coastal lowlands of South America in Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana as far south as the state of Pará in Brazil. It is also found on the island of Trinidad. The type locality given is "Cayenne" (French Guiana).
Description
The head of T. squamosus is covered with small scales, which are indistinguishable from the body scales.
Etymology
The synonym, Typhlophis ayarzaguenai, was named in honor of Venezuelan herpetologist José Ayarzagüena.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Trinidad Blind Snake
- Is the Trinidad Blind Snake venomous?
- No. The Trinidad Blind Snake (Typhlophis squamosus) 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 Trinidad Blind Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Trinidad Blind Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Trinidad Blind Snake dangerous?
- The Trinidad Blind Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Trinidad Blind Snake live?
- The Trinidad Blind Snake has verified records in 7 countries, including Brazil, French Guiana, Dominican Republic. See the distribution section below for its full range.
- Why is it called the Trinidad Blind Snake?
- The synonym, Typhlophis ayarzaguenai, was named in honor of Venezuelan herpetologist José Ayarzagüena.
Where it is found
More Anomalepididae snakes
Ternetz's Blind SnakeLiotyphlops ternetzii
Bonda Blind SnakeLiotyphlops bondensis
Whitenose Blind SnakeLiotyphlops albirostris
Costa Rica Blind SnakeHelminthophis frontalis
Caracas BlindsnakeLiotyphlops caracasensis
Cope's Blind SnakeLiotyphlops anops
São Paulo Blind SnakeLiotyphlops schubarti
Mexican Blind SnakeAnomalepis mexicana
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
- Typhlophis
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Typhlophis squamosus
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.