Anilios nigrescens Gray, 1845

Species Introduction

This species, Anilios nigrescens, is a small burrowing blind snake.

Head and Scale Characteristics

It has small dark eyes, a forked tongue, and smooth scales around its body that allow it to travel through soil.

Size

Adults typically reach 23 inches in length, and the largest recorded individual measured 32 inches.

Coloration

Its dorsal side is brown or purplish, while its belly is a pale light pink shade.

Tail Structure

Its tail ends in a pointed tip that acts as a harmless spur.

Visual Similarity

These snakes are often mistaken for earthworms.

Locomotion

When on the ground, blind snakes of this species move with a side-to-side motion; underground, they slither through tunnels created by insects.