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the web of life in southern Africa

Leptotyphlops labialis (Damara worm snake, Damara thread snake)

Damara-erdslangetjie, Damaradraadslangetjie. [Afrikaans]

Life > Eukaryotes > Opisthokonta > Metazoa (animals) > Bilateria > Deuterostomia > Chordata > Craniata > Vertebrata (vertebrates)  > Gnathostomata (jawed vertebrates) > Teleostomi (teleost fish) > Osteichthyes (bony fish) > Class: Sarcopterygii (lobe-finned fish) > Stegocephalia (terrestrial vertebrates) > Tetrapoda (four-legged vertebrates) > Reptiliomorpha > Amniota > Reptilia (reptiles) > Romeriida > Diapsida > Lepidosauromorpha > Lepidosauria > Squamata > Serpentes (snakes) > Family: Leptotyphlopidae > Genus: Leptotyphlops

Identification

The Damara worm snake can be identified by its small size, rounded head, highly polished scales and it is entirely fossorial (underground living). It grows to an average length of 17 cm and a maximum length of 30 cm.

Distribution and habitat

Restricted to north east Namibia. Its favoured habitat is Namib Desert.

Food

Unknown

Predators, parasites and disease

Eaten by other snakes and scorpions.

Reproduction

Unknown

Longevity

Unknown.

Medical importance

None.

Links

References

  • Broadley, D.G. 1983. FitzSimons' Snakes of Southern Africa. Delta Books, Johannesburg.

  • Marais, J. 2004. A Complete Guide to Snakes of Southern Africa. Struik Publishing, Cape Town.