Leptotyphlops longicaudus (Long-tailed worm snake,
Long-tailed thread snake)
Langsterterdslangetjie, Langstertdraadslangetjie [Afrikaans]
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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 Long-tailed worm snake can be identified by its small
size, rounded head and highly polished scales and it is entirely fossorial
(underground living) lifestyle. It grows to an average length of 20 cm and a maximum
length of 25 cm.
Distribution and habitat
Found in Limpopo, southern Mozambique and
Zimbabwe. Its preferred habitat is moist savanna.
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), lays 2 or more eggs.
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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