Photos by Chris Brown

Scientific name: Leptotyphlops humilis

Common name: Western Blind Snake

Size: 7.2-13.0 in (18-33 cm)

Distinguishing characters: A thin cylindrical species with no neck constriction; blunt head and tail; purplish, brown or pink dorsum with silvery sheen; light venter; no enlarged ventral scutes; eyes vestigial, appearing as dark spot beneath head scales; spinelike terminal scale on tail tip.

Juveniles: Similar to adults, except lighter in color.

Dimorphism: None

Similar species: Anniella pulchra: Has eyelids; black dorsal striping and black tail tip.

Additional notes: Difficult to hold since they will squeeze out of hands. Excretes watery fluid that has a musky odor.

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fieldguide/lehu.htm
Last update: 05 March 2003