Range: northwest-central Argentina east of the Andes

 

Commonly known as Degerbøl’s blind snake after its describer (though named for another scientist), this classic-looking species inhabits a subtropical to temperate sub-Andean space in Argentina where it is quite widespread. They reach at least 19 cm in length, with an extremely slender cylindrical build (often more than 60 times as long as wide) and a narrow rounded head no wider than the neck that sports a notably enlarged rostral scale that slopes down and broadens to form a distinctive overbite and sharp, shovel-like edge. The tail is extremely short and blunt as well with next to no taper at all. Dorsal scale count is 163-285, scale row count 14 reduced to 10 caudally (which is similar to other genera but not shared with its closest relatives). Coloration is generally dark pinkish brown to gray with lighter scale edges and a silvery overlay, growing paler on the sides and ventrally. Range separates this species from all its more tropical northern relatives, as does low subcaudal scale count due to short tail, reduced caudal scale row count, and its overall uniform darker brown hues.

 

Habitat: Monte Verde Desert and northern Patagonian shrubland, in loose soils and under terrestrial cover.

 

Prey: likely small soft-bodied invertebrates such as ant and termite larvae.

 

Lifespan and reproduction: lifespan unknown, likely under 10 years. Oviparous.

 

Sources: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/194142701 Author Alexander Guiñazu under https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
https://vertebrate-zoology.arphahub.com/article/98170/
https://archive.org/details/videnskabeligeme76dans/page/n167/mode/2up
https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/32535-Siagonodon-borrichianus#articles-tab

Martins et al. (2019). From the inside out: Discovery of a new genus of threadsnakes based on anatomical and molecular data, with discussion of the leptotyphlopid hemipenial morphology. Jounral of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research 57: 840-863