About Epictia tenella Klauber, 1939
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
Epictia tenella, which was formally described by Klauber in 1939, is also commonly called the Guyana blind snake. It is a species of blind snake.
Distribution Range
Its distribution includes Trinidad in the Caribbean, and South America, where its range extends from Guyana southward to Brazil and northwestern Peru.
Maximum Size
The maximum snout-to-vent length this species can reach is 170 mm (equivalent to 6-11/16 inches).
Body Coloration
It has a medium brown upper (dorsal) body surface, a paler lower (ventral) body surface, and a yellow tail.
Head Markings
The head is dark, except for a white to yellow spot that covers the upper half of its rostral scale.
Habitat Preference
This species is mesophilic. It burrows in damp soil and rotting vegetation, and may also burrow in ant and termite colonies.
Diet
Its diet consists of ants, termites, millipedes, and eggs.
