Puerto Rican Wetlands Blindsnake

Puerto Rican Wetlands Blindsnake, Puerto Rican Brown-bellied Blindsnake (Eng.), Víbora de Pico  (Sp.), Typhlops rostellatus (Sci.); distribution – northern sections of Puerto Rico.

Photo © Father Alejandro Sánchez. Information compiled by Alan Mowbray, Interpretive Media Writer, EYNF/LEF

General Information

Taxonomy: Class – Reptilia, Order – Squamata, Family – Typhlopidae, Genus – Typhlops, Species – T. rostellatus.

Description

T. rostellatus is dark-brown overall, with a paler ventral area and white spots at the vent and mouth. Approximately 7 to 9 inches (17 to 22 centimeters) in length, with vestigial eyes that are barely visible as tiny spots concealed under scales, no ear openings and a short tail that is tipped with a small sharpened scale that is used as an “anchor” when burrowing underground and can also be useful to repel a predator.

As an adaptation to its subterranean existence, its body is cylindrical, with smooth scales and a blunt, rounded head for burrowing.

Habits

The Wetlands Blindsnake is often found in termite or ant nests, on whose bodily fluids they feed; their tight-fitting scales are seen to prevent them from being stung or bitten by these insects.

They also eat other small invertebrates and may be found under rocks, logs and old tree stumps. Females lay up to three elongated, smooth white eggs in lairs under logs or other ground objects.

Habitat

T. rostellatus typically occurs in loose soil in subterranean cavities mostly known from the northern portions of Puerto Rico.

Where to look for this animal in the EYNF

Rarely seen due to its subterranean habits, it is infrequently spotted near nature trails in El Yunque’s lower Tabonuco forest type.

Additional Information

Biologist
USDA Forest Service
El Yunque National Forest
HC-01 Box 13490
Rio Grande, PR 00745
787 888 1810