Rhinotyphlops lalandei (Schlegel, 1839)

General Morphology

Rhinotyphlops lalandei is a slender, pinkish-grey blind snake with a pointed nose it uses for burrowing.

Maximum Snout-to-Vent Length

It can reach a maximum snout-to-vent length (SVL) of 35 cm (13 3⁄4 inches).

Dorsal Scale Arrangement

Its dorsal scales are arranged in 26–30 rows around the body, and there are more than 300 dorsal scales in the vertebral row.

Nostril Position

The nostrils sit below the sharp horizontal cutting edge of the snout.

Body Length to Diameter Ratio

The total body length including the tail is 35 to 50 times the body diameter.

Tail Morphology

The tail is as broad as it is long, or broader than long, and ends in a spine.

Geographic Distribution

This species occurs throughout the eastern half of Southern Africa, extending as far south as Cape Town, with isolated populations in western areas such as Namibia.

Habitat and Altitude Range

It can be found in a variety of habitats, including semidesert, savannah, coastal bush, and fynbos, at altitudes ranging from sea level up to 2,200 m (7,200 ft).

Reproductive Mode

Rhinotyphlops lalandei is oviparous.

Clutch and Hatchling Traits

Females lay clutches of 2 to 4 eggs, and the hatchlings are flesh-colored.