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Leptotyphlops distanti

L. distanti.jpg

Range: Northeastern South Africa to Swaziland and Mozambique

 

Distant’s Thread Snake is a southern African native, found across the northeastern corner of South Africa and into its neighboring countries. Specimens can reach up to 24 cm in length (average of 15) with a flattened head slightly broader than the rest of the body and bearing several large cranial scales, ad a short, spine-tipped tail. Scale row count at midbody is 14. Coloration is a distinct pale to dark silver-gray sheen, with lighter edges around each scale and a slightly paler ventral surface. Some specimens may be almost black in main color.

 

Habitat: Mesic regions across broad elevational distribution, under logs, large rocks, and in grass roots in open spaces or grasslands.

 

Prey: Larvae of termites and ants.

 

Lifespan and reproduction: Lifespan unknown, likely less than 7 years. Oviparous, lays narrow elongate ovular eggs.

 

Sources: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/10799761

https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/44979746/110326056

https://books.google.com/books?id=Kg9bDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT721&lpg=PT721&dq=leptotyphlops+distanti&source=bl&ots=-hB1WKSjC8&sig=hUllEL8Kq4q7zmNJZNHL4lrl9zE&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiHus_DlK3eAhUsyoMKHQTMB-k4ChDoATADegQICRAB#v=onepage&q=leptotyphlops%20distanti&f=false

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