The Brahminy blind snake ( Indotyphlops braminus) is a snake that appears blind, although it possesses small, non-functional eyes.
While they have eyespots covered with translucent scales, these eyespots primarily function as light sensors rather than providing true vision. These snakes rely heavily on their senses of smell and touch to navigate and find food.
Here's a breakdown:
- Scientific Name: Indotyphlops braminus (formerly Ramphotyphlops braminus)
- Common Names: Brahminy blind snake, flowerpot snake, common blind snake, island blind snake, teliya snake, Hawaiian blind snake.
- Appearance: Small, slender, and worm-like, typically dark brown or black.
- Eyes: Possesses vestigial eyespots that are covered by translucent scales. These eyespots detect light but do not form images.
- Sensory Reliance: Primarily uses smell and touch for navigation and hunting.
- Reproduction: Parthenogenetic, meaning females reproduce without the need for males.
- Distribution: Found worldwide, often transported unintentionally in the soil of potted plants.
Why the name "blind snake?"
The name comes from their tiny, barely visible eyes and their reliance on other senses besides sight. Though not technically completely blind, their vision is extremely limited, making "blind snake" a descriptive, albeit slightly inaccurate, common name.
