Proximus blind snake explained

The Proximus blind snake or the woodland blind snake (Anilios proximus) is a species of snake in the Typhlopidae family that is native to eastern Australia.[1]

Description

It has an average length of 50 cm, but can reach 75 cm. It is dark brown and glossy in appearance with very small eyes, bluntly trilobed snout, 20 mid body scales and no noticeable head.[2] They can often be mistaken for earthworms.[3]

Distribution

It is found in eastern Queensland, New South Wales, northern Victoria and eastern South Australia. Predominately nocturnal and non-venomous, it is a burrowing snake which spends most of its life beneath leaf litter or underground. It is rarely seen in daytime, but would make incidental appearances after heavy rainfall or warm moist nights using rocks and debris for shelter.[2]

Feeding

It mostly feeds on termites, larvae and pupae of ants, and small insects.[2]

Notes and References

  1. McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T. 1999. Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, vol. 1. Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. (series). (volume).
  2. https://www.swifft.net.au/cb_pages/sp_woodland_blind_snake.php Woodland Blind Snake
  3. https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/hills-shire-times/blind-snake-found-in-castle-hill-backyard-pool/news-story/ad656230dc3e6b6ce0385119c1b73c51 Blind snake found in Castle Hill backyard pool