Leptotyphlops distanti (Distant's worm snake, Distant's
thread snake)
Distant se erdslangetjie, Distant se draadslangetjie
[Afrikaans]
Life >
Eukaryotes
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Opisthokonta >
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(animals) > Bilateria > Deuterostomia >
Chordata >
Craniata > Vertebrata (vertebrates) > Gnathostomata (jawed vertebrates) >
Teleostomi (teleost fish) > Osteichthyes (bony fish) > Class:
Sarcopterygii (lobe-finned fish) > Stegocephalia (terrestrial vertebrates) >
Tetrapoda
(four-legged vertebrates) > Reptiliomorpha > Amniota >
Reptilia (reptiles) >
Romeriida > Diapsida > Lepidosauromorpha > Lepidosauria >
Squamata > Serpentes
(snakes) > Family: Leptotyphlopidae > Genus:
Leptotyphlops
Identification
Distant's worm snake can be identified by its small size,
rounded head, a uniform grey black colour, highly polished scales and it is
entirely fossorial (underground living). It grows to an average length of 15 cm
and a maximum length of 24 cm.
Distribution and habitat
Restricted to Limpopo, Swaziland and north
east KwaZulu-Natal. Its favoured habitats are coastal forest, moist savanna and grassland.
Food
Eats invertebrates.
Predators, parasites and disease
Eaten by other snakes,
birds, small
carnivorous
mammals
(e.g.
mongooses) and
scorpions.
Reproduction
Probably oviparous (egg-laying).
Longevity
Unknown.
Medical importance
None.
Links
References
-
Broadley, D.G. 1983. FitzSimons' Snakes of Southern
Africa. Delta Books, Johannesburg.
-
Marais, J. 2004. A Complete Guide to Snakes of
Southern Africa. Struik Publishing, Cape Town.
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