Leptotyphlopidae
Two-lined Blind Snake
HarmlessTetracheilostoma bilineatum
3 photographs of the Two-lined Blind Snake. (c) kevinbzh, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC).
The Two-lined Blind Snake (Tetracheilostoma bilineatum) is a non-venomous snake in the Leptotyphlopidae family, recorded in 3 countries.
- Family
- Leptotyphlopidae
About the Two-lined Blind Snake
The two-lined blind snake (Tetracheilostoma bilineatum) is a harmless blind snake species endemic to Martinique in the Lesser Antilles.
Distribution
Though previously recorded on St. Lucia and Barbados, specimens identified to those islands were described in 2008 as separate species, L. breuili and L. carlae. A specimen identified as from Guadeloupe was reported by Duméril and Bibron (1844:331), but none are known from that island. The type locality given is "Vaterland Martinique."
Description
It is dark brown with two yellow stripes along its sides. It was once known as the world's smallest snake, being small enough to slither through a pencil if the lead were removed. Its typical length is 11 cm (4.5 in). However, the newly described L. carlae (Hedges, 2008) is reported to be even smaller.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Two-lined Blind Snake
- Is the Two-lined Blind Snake venomous?
- No. The Two-lined Blind Snake (Tetracheilostoma bilineatum) 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 Two-lined Blind Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Two-lined Blind Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Two-lined Blind Snake dangerous?
- The Two-lined Blind Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Two-lined Blind Snake live?
- The Two-lined Blind Snake has verified records in 3 countries, including Martinique, Saint Lucia, Barbados. See the distribution section below for its full range.
Where it is found
More Leptotyphlopidae snakes
Santa Lucía ThreadsnakeTetracheilostoma breuili
Texas Blind SnakeRena dulcis
Western ThreadsnakeRena humilis
Epictia borapeliotesEpictia borapeliotes
Taylor's Blind SnakeEpictia ater
Latin American Blind SnakeEpictia albipuncta
Guyana Blind SnakeEpictia tenella- No photoBarbados ThreadsnakeTetracheilostoma carlae
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
- Tetracheilostoma
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Tetracheilostoma bilineatum
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.