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Leptotyphlops scutifrons (Peter's worm snake, Peter's
thread snake)
Peter se erdslangetjie [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
Peter's worm snake can be identified by its small size,
rounded head, highly polished scales, uniform brown or red colour and a spine on
the tail and it is entirely fossorial (underground living). It grows to an
average length of 20 and a maximum length of 28 cm.
Distribution and habitat
Found in north west South Africa, eastern
Namibia, Botswana and southern Mozambique. It is found in a variety of habitats
from coastal forest to karoo scrub.
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 between 2 and 7 eggs in
summer.
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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