Full Name: Delalande’s Beaked Blind Snake (Rhinotyphlops lalandei)
Other Names: Delalande se haakneusblindeslang
Classification: HARMLESS
Map indicating the distribution of the Delalande’s Beaked Blind Snake in Southern Africa.
A widely spread burrowing snake that spends most of its life underground in search of ants and their eggs. It is endemic to Southern Africa. Individuals may be found in soil under rocks or logs, in deserted termite mounds or on the surface at night, especially after heavy rains. They are pale to dark grey or slate-grey in colour with juveniles often being pink or flesh-coloured. Each scale is pale-edged, giving it a checkered effect. It is a small snake with adults averaging around 25 – 30 cm with a maximum length of 35 cm. They are easily confused with other Blind Snakes or Worm Snakes. Blind Snakes are preyed upon by birds and a variety of snakes including the Spotted Harlequin.
