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Leptotyphlops occidentalis (Namaqua worm snake, Namaqua
thread snake)
Namakwa-erdslangetjie, Westlike draadslangetjie [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 Namaqua worm snake can be identified by its small size,
rounded head, highly polished and pale edged scales, and it is entirely fossorial (underground living). It
grows to an average length of 20 cm and a maximum length of 32 cm.
Distribution and habitat
Restricted to western Namibia and a small
part of the Northern Cape. Its favoured habitat is the Namib Desert.
Food
Eats
termites.
Predators, parasites and disease
Eaten by other snakes 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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