Barrow Island Blind Snake

Identification and appearance

An exceptionally elongated and slender blind snake known from Barrow Island. The original description records a strongly depressed rectangular head and a translucent, almost unpigmented body in life; it is associated with the island's subterranean habitat.

Typical length

The original description reports one female at 266 mm snout–vent length plus a 2.4 mm tail, about 26.84 cm total. This is one specimen, not a population average or a species maximum.

Body build

slender

Head appearance

strongly depressed rectangular head with rounded rostrum

Key identification features

• Exceptionally elongated and slender form
• Translucent, almost unpigmented body reported in life
• Known only from Barrow Island

Where it is found

Known only from Barrow Island, off the coast of Western Australia.

Reproduction

Egg-laying

Medical significance

Blind snakes are non-venomous. If the snake has not been reliably identified and a bite is suspected, call 000 and follow snakebite first aid.

What to do if you encounter one

Keep your distance and leave the snake a clear route away. Do not handle it, chase it for a photograph or attempt to inspect its mouth. If it is inside a building, keep people and pets clear and contact a qualified local snake catcher.