The Texas blind snake, Leptotyphlops dulcis, is common in the Texas landscape, often being found underneath logs or rocks in the yard or garden. They occur on stony hillsides, prairies, and sandy or rocky deserts, under stones, boulders or other objects. Occasionally they are found under house foundations and in bath traps. However, they are most often encountered in areas where moisture is available and after rains.

Although related to the Boas, these 5 - 8 inch long snakes are not only blind, but they never bite people. Their dentation is reduced to a few teeth on the lower jaw. The small size, the eyes buried beneath trans lucent scales, and the brown to reddish-brown color of this snake, together with its habit of burrowing has given it the common name "worm snake" .

The Texas blind snake is actually a very beneficial creature. It prowls on the surface at night or early evening, feeding on earthworms, insect larvae, ant pupae and termites. Obviously. no control measures should be considered unless the insect population on which they are feeding becomes a problem itself, then the insects should be treated. At most, debris such as logs and rocks under which these snakes harbor should be removed from the area where these creatures are undesirable. The most difficult aspect of the Texas blind snake is convincing the startled finder that these snakes are not baby snakes which can grow large. The largest Texas blind snake reported was 10-3/4 inches long.

The information given herein is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Cooperative Extension Service is implied.

Educational programs conducted by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age or national origin.

1990

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Last modified: March 18, 1997 by Edgar Cross