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the web of life in southern Africa

Leptotyphlops pungwensis (Pungwe worm snake, Pungwe thread snake)

Pungwe-erdslangetjie, Pungwedraadslangetjie [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 Pungwe worm snake can be identified by its small size, rounded head, highly polished scales, white speckling on the underside and it is entirely fossorial (underground living) lifestyle.

Distribution and habitat

Restricted to the Pungwe flats of Mozambique.

Food

Unknown

Predators, parasites and disease

Eaten by other snakes and scorpions.

Reproduction

Unknown

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.