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Leptotyphlops incognitus (Incognito worm snake,
Incognito thread snake)
Incognito-erdslangetjie, Incognitodraadslangetjie [Afrikaans]
Life >
Eukaryotes
>
Opisthokonta >
Metazoa
(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
The Incognito worm snake can be identified by its
small size, rounded head and highly polished scales and it is entirely fossorial
(underground living). It grows to an average length of 15 cm and a maximum
length of 19 cm.
Distribution and habitat
Found in northern South Africa,
Swaziland, southern Mozambique and parts of Zimbabwe. It inhabits a wide variety
of habitats throughout its distribution.
Food
Eats invertebrates (particularly
termites).
Predators, parasites and disease
Eaten by other snakes,
birds, small
carnivorous
mammals
(e.g.
mongooses) and
scorpions.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying).
Longevity
Unknown.
Medical importance
None.
Links
References
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Broadley, D.G. 1983. FitzSimons' Snakes of Southern
Africa. Delta Books, Johannesburg.
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Marais, J. 2004. A Complete Guide to Snakes of
Southern Africa. Struik Publishing, Cape Town.
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