Desert Slender Blind Snake

Rena humilus cahuilae

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

 

Characteristics:

The slenderness of the snakes in this genus have led to the alternate name of “threadsnakes.” This is a 7 to 10” long, purplish to brown, burrowing serpent with vestigial (scale covered) eyes and no enlarged belly scales. They can be differentiated to species by facial and interorbital escalation. This species has 1 scale on the top of the head between the ocular scales, a single upper labial (lip) scale and 5 rows of dark scales on the back. 12 rows of scales on the tail. Oviparous. Use range to assist in their species differentiation.

 

Unique Features:

1 scale on the top of the head between the ocular scales, a single upper labial (lip) scale and 5 rows of dark scales on the back. Use range to assist in their species differentiation.

 

Habitat and Diet:

Loose sandy soil. Often found beneath rocks. Prey, ants and termites.

 

Geographic Range:

CA,