Trans-pecos Blindsnake
Rena segrega
This specie of blind snake is a very small snake that could be easily confused as earthworms if not carefully examined. Apparently, the head and tail is quite difficult t…
How to identify
This specie of blind snake is a very small snake that could be easily confused as earthworms if not carefully examined. Apparently, the head and tail is quite difficult to tell apart although the neck is a bit narrower compared to the head. A small portion of the eyes are visible under a considerably translucent scale on the head. It has a single scale on top of the head between the scales covering the eyes. Its polished body form is enhanced by the 14 rolls of smooth and firmly fitted scale that goes round the body. Initially, the dorsal scales are usually purple and brown often with a slivery tint, while those along the sides and on the belly appear to be pale purple or pinkish in colour. It is larger than most blind snakes with a maximum or adult length of 13 inches.
Range
Trans-Pecos Blind Snake is endemic to Texas, specifically, the dry portions in the western part of the state.
Habitat
The Trans-Pecos blind snake is commonly found underground in deserts and scrubby regions where there are moist, loose and friable types of soil because of its need to burrow in search for shelter. To survive the intolerable high temperature during the day, it burrows down into moist soils. They are also found dwelling in sandy and arid regions, valleys, bottoms of mountains, bushy areas or even grasslands. Typically, they feed on the eggs and larvae of ants and termites which it find by following pheromone trails.
Similar species
Western Threadsnake (Rena Humilis) Considering the body structure, the western threadsnake looks very much like a long earthworm. It is in fact as thin as an earthworm. Distinguishingly, this snake has a single scale between the oculars on the head unlike other blind snakes. Also, Its head and the tail are both blunt and edge less. The Texas blind snake (Rena dulcis) resembles a sheen earthworm. Although, the scales are not partitioned or segmented, they are pinkish-brown and at the same time, shiny. Its head is thick and strong making burrowing very easy. On the head, it has three scales between the ocular scales unlike the western threadsnake. The eyes appear to be two dark dots under the scales on the head. It has a small mouth and the projection of the lower teeth is beyond the upper. Normally, the Texas blind snake does not grow longer than 27cm in total length.
Name and etymology
Segrega: Latin for separate.
At a glance
Range
Trans-Pecos Blind Snake is endemic to Texas, specifically, the dry portions in the western part of the state.
Habitat
The Trans-Pecos blind snake is commonly found underground in deserts and scrubby regions where there are moist, loose and fri…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap