Leptotyphlops nigricans (Cape worm snake, Black thread
snake)
Kaapse erdslangetjie, Swartdraadslangetjie [Afrikaans]
Life >
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Opisthokonta >
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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 Cape worm snake can be identified by its small size,
rounded head and highly polished brown or black scales and it is entirely
fossorial (underground living). It grows to an average length of 16 cm and a
maximum length of 20 cm.
Distribution and habitat
This snake species is restricted to the Cape east coast.
Its favoured habitat is fynbos nut it is also found in savanna and grassland.
Food
Eats invertebrates.
Predators, parasites and disease
Eaten by other snakes,
birds, small
carnivorous
mammals
(e.g.
mongooses) and
scorpions.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying).
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.
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