TEXAS BLIND SNAKE

Photo by Greg Sievert
Used by permission

Federal Status:
None

State Status:
Threatened

• Range:
  Dark Blue = Counties with designated critical habitat
  Light Blue = Historical records
• Comments: Resembling an earthworm, this 5-8 inch long snake has a pink-purplish cast and belly scales similar in size to those on its back. The Texas blind snake is unique because its body shape makes it difficult to discern its head from its tail. Closer examination reveals vestigial eyes as small dark spots. Being blind, this snake spends the majority of its life underground hunting and feeding on termites and ant eggs or larvae. By releasing a repellent from its vent, then writhing to spread the chemical over its body, it can then invade ant nests without being attacked. The Texas blind snake can follow the trail of ants by using its sense of smell. Occasionally, it’s found wandering above ground early in the evening. This snake has been documented in Kansas along some of the southern tier counties of southcentral and southwest Kansas.
• Read more about this species in The Snake's Burrow!

Other Reptiles on the Kansas T&E List