Brahminy Blind Snake

Brahminy Blind Snake, Ramphotyphlops braminus, also known as the Flowerpot Snake, Common Blind Snake, Island Blind Snake, or Hawaiian Blind Snake. The Brahminy Blind Snake is a harmless snake between 2½ to 6½ inches and resembles an earthworm in size and shape. This dark, burrowing serpent is shiny black, brown, or gray with an indistinguishable head and tail. It has extremely tiny, rudimentary eyes, roofed by translucent scales, rendering the reptile almost entirely blind—thus its name, the Brahminy “Blind Snake.” The eyes cannot form images but are sophisticated enough to register light intensity. The Brahminy Blind Snake is interesting in that all members of the species are female and reproduce through an asexual process know as parthenogenesis. They are believed to feed on earthworms. They have been introduced to various parts of the world through flowerpots. Named after the Latinized form of the word "Brahmin" = a caste among Hindus.