Typhlopidae
Beaked Blind Snake
Anilios waitii
A very slender blind snake with a pronounced beak-like snout, recorded in Western Australia.
Non-venomous
Identification and appearance
A very slender blind snake with a pronounced beak-like snout. Specialist examination is needed to distinguish it from similar species.
Typical length
Storr reported total lengths of 12.7–61.4 cm in 155 specimens. This is a sample range, not an established adult range or species maximum.
Body build
slender
Key identification features
- Very slender build
- Pronounced beak-like snout
Where it is found
Western Australia from the Hamersley and Warburton Ranges south to Armadale, Dumbleyung and Holt Rock, and through the Eastern Goldfields and Cundeelee localities recorded by Storr.
Medical significance
Blind snakes are non-venomous. Identification from appearance alone remains uncertain; do not handle an unfamiliar snake.
What to do if you encounter one
Leave it undisturbed and keep people and pets away. Do not pick it up to inspect its scales or head.
Similar-looking snakes
Similar blind snakes require specialist identification.
Taxonomy notes
The taxon was originally described as Typhlops waitii by Boulenger in 1895; Storr treated it in the 1981 Western Australian revision and current sources use Anilios waitii.
Sources checked
- Storr 1981 Western Australian revision (2026-09-26)
- Reptile Database current taxonomy (2026-09-26)
- AROD species account (2026-09-26)
- Fauna of Australia Typhlopidae treatment (2026-09-26)
- NSW Government — Non-venomous blind snakes (2026-09-26)
Still not sure?
Compare this snake with more clues.
A profile is a guide, not a reason to approach or handle a snake.