Typhlopidae
Claw-snouted Blind Snake
Anilios unguirostris
The Claw-snouted Blind Snake is a moderately slender blind snake recorded across northern and central parts of Australia. Its specialist diagnosis refers to a cutting edge at the tip of the snout.
Non-venomous
Identification and appearance
The Reptile Database describes a moderately slender blind snake with a snout tipped by a cutting edge. This is a specialist character and not something to inspect by handling.
Typical length
AROD reports an average of about 40 cm and a maximum of 70 cm.
Body build
slender
Head appearance
cutting-edged snout
Key identification features
- Moderately slender blind-snake form
- Snout tipped with a cutting edge in specialist diagnosis
- Recorded in NT, QLD, SA and WA in the current account
Where it is found
Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia in the current Reptile Database account; AROD lists NT, QLD and WA.
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
Leave it where it is and keep people and pets away.
Similar-looking snakes
The name reflects a specialist snout character. No pairwise lookalike link is included without a direct source comparison.
Taxonomy notes
The current Reptile Database account includes South Australia and notes that the species is not recorded in NSW; AROD's older state list is narrower.
Sources checked
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A profile is a guide, not a reason to approach or handle a snake.