A friendly kitty from Ardath, in the Lockhart sub-catchment of the Avon river, brought in an interesting critter the other day. In its mouth was a Prong-snouted Blind Snake (Ramphotyphlops
bituberculatus) from the Order Squamata.
Natasha from Merredin says these snakes are subterranean, non venomous creatures eating ant pupae and only coming to the surface at night especially after rain. These snakes are known from WA through SA to NSW & Vic. but Ardath would be close to the limit of their western range according to KingSnake.com
With a secretive lifestyle underground, little is known about this snake or the other 42 Australian species. However, we do know they are not actually blind - their eyes are covered by scales to protect them from the ants who's mounds they raid for food.
Thanks to Natasha and the crew from Ardath for sharing their find!
This is another example of the amazing animals which call the Avon Wheatbelt home. To find out more visit www.wheatbeltNRM.org.au or email info@wheatbeltnrm.org.au
Shortly after we posted this article, Tracey from Kellerberrin sent in some pictures of a Blind Snake the Shire works crew found dead in a culvert near Doodlakine.
ReplyDeleteIts amazing to see them so close together - I suppose they get more active during the warmer weather.
Thanks Tracey for sharing your pics with us!