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Ramphotyphlops braminus (Flowerpot snake)
Blompotslang [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: Typhlopidae
Identification
The Flowerpot snake can be identified by its earthworm like
appearance and preference burrowing in to soil in sheltered areas. It grows to a
length of 17 cm.
Distribution and habitat
This snake is introduced from Australasia and is only found
Cape Town, Durban and Beira. It is encountered in any suitable shelter within
city limits (often in pot plants which is were its common name originates from).
Food
Eats termites, ants and small invertebrates.
Predators, parasites and disease
Eaten by other snakes.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying), lays between 2 and 6 eggs in
summer.
Longevity
Unknown.
Medical importance
None
Links
References
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Broadley, D.G. 1983. FitzSimons' Snakes of Southern
Africa. Delta Books, Johannesburg.
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Marais, J. 2004. A Complete Guide to Snakes of
Southern Africa. Struik Publishing, Cape Town.
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