What snake is this? [Leptotyphlops sp.]

South African snakes commonly known as non-venomous, including the Natal rock python (Python natalensis).

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What snake is this? [Leptotyphlops sp.]

Postby Aconite » Mon Oct 05, 2009 1:17 pm

I dont live in SA anymore, so was not there to see this.
My mom thinks it was a snake, but which one? Aparently tiny and very shiny. A blind snake? I have no idea.
I just know you guys will be able to help.
Thanks in advance!

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I keep: Morelia viridis
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Aconite
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Re: What snake is this?

Postby Warren Klein » Mon Oct 05, 2009 1:37 pm

Well your mom was right that it is a snake. This is a Thread snake or Worm snake of the genus Leptotyphlops, not sure of the species
An inaccurate naturalist is a pest and a danger, forever perpetuating illogical deductions and landing later naturalists in trouble. Damm and blast them all to hell in the most painful way. C.J.P. Ionides
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Re: What snake is this?

Postby Aconite » Mon Oct 05, 2009 1:42 pm

Wicked, thanks for that quick reply! I will let her know.
She catches all sorts of amazing things as she lives on the coast and snakes wander into her house all the time. She has a boomslang on the porch outside the front door that is always there - except when I go to visit.
I have kept snake since I was a child and never see any in the bush. She dislikes snakes and finds them on a weekly basis. So unfair.
Thanks again!
I keep: Morelia viridis
Morelia spilota variegata
Gonyosoma oxycephala
Aconite
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Location: Sevenoaks, Kent, United Kingdom

Re: What snake is this?

Postby Warren Klein » Mon Oct 05, 2009 1:59 pm

No problem, glad to help. Its alway the case that the people who dont like them always seem to find them!
An inaccurate naturalist is a pest and a danger, forever perpetuating illogical deductions and landing later naturalists in trouble. Damm and blast them all to hell in the most painful way. C.J.P. Ionides
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Re: What snake is this?

Postby warbot » Mon Oct 05, 2009 2:26 pm

Im sure you have a fowerpot thread snake there, I have one
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Re: What snake is this?

Postby warbot » Mon Oct 05, 2009 2:33 pm

Leptotyphlops
sorry flower pot thread snake, feeding on small millipedes, ants, ant larvae, termites and termite larvae and eggs.
eactive little guys, don't live very long, I've had one for a little while now checking out its nature, habits, etc...

not very good pets hehe

Ramphotyphlops braminus, actually not indigenous, but I could be wrong about species.
the other could be a relative to the peters thread snake...

to many, and they all look the same, but I think we all agree...

It is a thread snake, of some sort... :D
and not a stiletto snake hehe
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Re: What snake is this?

Postby LeglessDragon » Mon Oct 05, 2009 2:37 pm

One of two options: Leptotyphlops nigricans (Black or Cape thread snake) or Leptotyphlops incognitus (Incognito thread snake). Will depend on the area found. Which coast?

Warbot - Flowerpot snake is dark grey to pale brown and not black. This one is diffinitly black unless the camera was lying. But we all agree - Thread snake. Diffinitly a thread snake!
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Re: What snake is this?

Postby Aconite » Tue Oct 06, 2009 10:43 am

Thanks Guys! You are the best!

I told my mom and this is what she said...
"Thanks! Yes, it looks right. The only species in this area would be the Black Thread Snake, L. nigricans, although I think it was far more silver than black - although they do say that scales are sometimes pale edged, which would read as silver, I suppose, in the light.
They say "in winter congregate under rubble, etc., where up to 100 individuals may be found in a few square metres". That's nice, hey???!"

Wish I was there now, I would be looking under rocks right now!
Oh, she lives in Bettys bay, right up on the beach. Lots of snakes there. She is sooo lucky. I live in Kent in the Uk. I am very lucky if I see the occasional toad.
I keep: Morelia viridis
Morelia spilota variegata
Gonyosoma oxycephala
Aconite
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Joined: Sun Mar 01, 2009 7:06 pm
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Re: What snake is this?

Postby LeglessDragon » Tue Oct 06, 2009 10:57 am

pm me her address. Will fly down and go herping lol! ...send you a few...promise!

Only joking. Can't get there even if someone gave me a jet lol!
My heart always leads, my brain always lags. Words are said in the moment and friendships made or broken. My heart always leads...
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Re: What snake is this?

Postby Aconite » Tue Oct 06, 2009 9:42 pm

Boy I would be on the plane too- if I didnt know from experience that only she will see the snakes. I never find snakes in the wild. I am getting quite bitter about it. :smt022
But luckily keeping snakes in the Uk is relatively easy (although expensive, as you have to heat the cages etc). So I have a nice collection with a few SA snakes in it. But there is nothing that comes close to finding something in the wild. I will post more pics up for you guys to identify when my mom finds some more.
You guys are a great resource! Thanks!!!
I keep: Morelia viridis
Morelia spilota variegata
Gonyosoma oxycephala
Aconite
SA Reptiles Member
 
Posts: 32
Joined: Sun Mar 01, 2009 7:06 pm
Location: Sevenoaks, Kent, United Kingdom


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