New Mexico Blind Snake

Rena dissectus

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, pinkish 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 3 scales on the top of the head between the ocular scales and two upper labial (lip) scales. Use range to assist in their species differentiation. Oviparous.

 

Unique Features:

Oviparous. Prey, ants and termites.

 

Habitat and Diet:

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

 

Geographic Range:

TX, CO, KS, NM, OK