Typhlopidae
Blunt-snouted Blind Snake
Anilios obtusifrons
A slender blind snake known from the coast between Kalbarri and Gregory in Western Australia.
Non-venomous
Identification and appearance
A slender blind snake with a blunt snout and tiny eyes. One photographed living specimen was pinkish, darker towards the head and paler towards the tail.
Typical length
Three specimens measured 19.74–21.51 cm snout–vent length. This excludes the tail and is not an established adult range or species maximum.
Body build
slender
Key identification features
- Slender build
- Blunt snout
- Pinkish live colour documented in one specimen
Where it is found
Known from coastal localities between Kalbarri and Gregory in Western Australia; the description records three specimens and a very restricted known area.
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
Described in the 2017 revision of the Anilios leptosoma species complex.
Sources checked
- Ellis et al. 2017, Worms in the sand (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)
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A profile is a guide, not a reason to approach or handle a snake.