Long-Nosed Worm Snake
Amerotyphlops trinitatus
A small, worm-like blind snake found in the leaf litter and soil of Trinidad and adjacent parts of northern South America.
- Venomous?
- Harmless
- Adult length
- 0.15-0.3 m (6-12 in)
- Range
- Trinidad and northern South America
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Overview
The long-nosed worm snake belongs to the blind snake family Typhlopidae, a widespread group of small, burrowing snakes found through the tropics that are almost universally mistaken for earthworms. It is a lesser-known regional species restricted to a small part of the Caribbean and northern South America.
As with other blind snakes, it plays a quiet ecological role feeding on soil invertebrates and is rarely noticed by people because of its subterranean lifestyle.
It is entirely harmless to humans, being non-venomous and physically incapable of delivering a meaningful bite.
How to identify it
- Slender, cylindrical, worm-like body of uniform width
- Smooth, shiny scales giving a polished appearance
- Dark brown to purplish-black coloration above, often paler on the belly
- Pointed, elongated snout, more pronounced than in many related blind snakes
- Eyes reduced to faint dark spots beneath the head scales
- Adults typically 15-30 cm (6-12 in) long
- Head and tail can be hard to distinguish without close inspection
Habitat & range
Found in moist tropical soils, leaf litter, and under logs and stones in forested and semi-open habitats of Trinidad and adjacent areas of northern South America (including parts of Venezuela). Favors loose, humid soil where it can burrow easily.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Fossorial and secretive, spending almost all its time underground or beneath surface litter, emerging mainly after rain. Feeds primarily on ants, termites, and their larvae, using its pointed snout to probe into nests and tunnels. Entirely inoffensive if uncovered, relying on burrowing rather than defense. Reproduction is egg-laying, with small clutches typical of the family.
Frequently asked questions
Is the long-nosed worm snake venomous?
No, it is harmless to humans and non-venomous.
How big does the long-nosed worm snake get?
It is small, usually 15-30 cm (6-12 in) in length.
Where is the long-nosed worm snake found?
It occurs in Trinidad and adjacent parts of northern South America.
What does the long-nosed worm snake eat?
It feeds mainly on ants, termites, and their larvae.
Long-Nosed Worm Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Long-Nosed Worm Snake.
