Brahminy Blindsnake

The brahminy blind snake is a small, non-venomous blind snake found mostly in Africa and Asia and introduced in many other parts of the world. It is completely fossorial, with habits and appearance like an earthworm, for which it is often mistaken, though close inspection shows tiny scales and eyes. Adults measure 5 to 10cm, uncommonly up to 15cm. The species is parthenogenetic, and all known specimens have been female (Wikipedia, general species account).

The head and tail look alike, and the tail has a small pointed spur. There are 14 rows of dorsal scales. Colour ranges from charcoal grey, silver-grey and light yellow-beige to purplish, with a paler belly. The eyes cannot form images but sense light intensity. It eats the larvae, eggs and pupae of ants and termites, and lays eggs or may bear live young. Its Asian range includes Nepal.