Xenotyphlopidae – Blind snake of Madagascar
Seldom seen by people and even less understood
This family comprises a very small and specialized group of snakes that have adapted to life almost entirely beneath the surface of the earth. These snakes are found exclusively in Madagascar, an island known for its unique biodiversity and high rate of endemism.
The snakes of the Xenotyphlopidae family are extremely small and slender, typically measuring just 10 to 30 cm (4 to 12 in) in length. Their bodies are cylindrical and worm-like, perfectly designed for burrowing through the soil. One of their most notable features is the complete lack of eyes. Having evolved to live underground where vision is unnecessary, their eyes have become vestigial and are covered by layers of skin or scales. This adaptation highlights their specialized niche as subterranean creatures.
The skin of Xenotyphlopidae is smooth and glossy, which helps reduce friction as they navigate through tight underground spaces. Their coloration is generally a uniform dark brown or black, which further aids in their concealment within the dark, moist soil environments they prefer. These snakes have very small scales that are not always easily visible, giving their skin a shiny, almost seamless appearance.
In terms of behavior, Xenotyphlopidae are solitary and secretive animals. They spend the majority of their life hidden underground, surfacing primarily during wet conditions, which makes it easier for them to move around and find food. Their diet consists mainly of ants, termites, and their larvae, which they are well-adapted to hunt in the subterranean realm. They use their highly sensitive sense of smell to locate prey, as their lack of vision renders traditional hunting methods used by other snakes ineffective.
