Leptotyphlops sylvicolus (Southern forest worm snake,
Southern forest thread snake)
Suidelike wouderdslangetjie, Suidelike wouddraadslangetjie
[Afrikaans]
Life >
Eukaryotes
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Opisthokonta >
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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 Southern forest worm snake can be identified by its
small size, rounded head and highly polished scales, uniformly black colour
and it is entirely fossorial (underground living). It grows to an average length
of 9 cm and a maximum length of 12 cm.
Distribution and habitat
Restricted to a small portion of central KwaZulu-Natal.
Its favoured habitat is coastal forest.
Food
Unknown.
Predators, parasites and disease
Eaten by other snakes.
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.
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