Typhlops vermicularis

Stupid eye ( Typhlops vermicularis )

The stupid eye ( Typhlops vermicularis ), like many other species of the genus often referred to simply as worm snake, is a species of blind snakes ( Typhlopidae ) that is spread on the Balkans, Southwest Asia and North Africa.

Features

The stupid eye reaches a length of 18 to 30 cm. In its form it is worm-like, with a blunt, not set off from the body head. The body is completely occupied by small smooth scales, which are built around the same. The ventral scales are not formed as elongated belly rails, the tail ends in a spike-like tail Scaly, serving during locomotion as " Nachschieber ". At the head of the snake has two small and black eyes, the rest of the body is pink. The belly is slightly lighter than the back and translucent, so that the internal organs, eggs and food remains are visible.

Distribution and habitat

The stupid mind lives in South Eastern Europe to the Balkans from the south-western Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia and southern Bulgaria to Greece, also in Northeast Egypt, in Transcaucasia and in Southwest Asia. In Croatia, a probably allochthonous deposit is located on the barrier island of Dugi Otok Zadar. One finds the way in flat and hilly and dry slopes, especially in areas with loose, herbaceous vegetation.

Way of life

The snake is adapted to a purely underground lifestyle. She lives in underground tunnel systems and under stones. On the surface, it is only in exceptional cases, especially during prolonged rains, at dusk or at night. Depending on altitude and temperature, it holds two to six months hibernation. However, in southern Greece ( Peloponnese ), they may also be active throughout the year.

The food of stupid eye consists mainly of ants and their pupae and eggs, they also eat other insects living underground, as well as millipedes and worms. For reproduction, the females lay four to eight eggs elongated.