Typhlopidae
Murchison Blind Snake
Anilios leptosoma
A slender Murchison blind snake from mid-western Western Australia, with an angular snout in profile, a weakly trilobed snout from above and a terminal tail spine.
Non-venomous
Identification and appearance
A slender blind snake whose snout is angular in profile and slightly three-lobed when seen from above. A spine ends the tail; the published diagnosis excludes black markings.
Other names
Ramphotyphlops leptosoma
Typical length
AROD lists a species average of about 27.5 cm and a separately reported maximum of 40 cm.
Body build
slender
Key identification features
- Slender body
- Obtusely angular snout in profile
- Terminal tail spine
Where it is found
Recorded in mid-western Western Australia, between Northampton and Wooramel and inland towards Meeberrie Station.
Reproduction
Oviparous.
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 well clear and leave a route towards cover. Do not chase, corner, handle or inspect it. If it is inside a building, keep people and pets away and contact a qualified local snake remover.
Similar-looking snakes
Several blind snakes look alike. These profiles provide comparisons, but a photograph may not show the features needed to separate species.
Blackish Blind Snake (Anilios nigrescens), photographed dead on a road.
Photo: Max Tibby · CC0 (Licence)
Typhlopidae
Blackish Blind Snake
Anilios nigrescens
A glossy, worm-like burrowing snake from eastern Australia. It has a nearly uniform body thickness, tiny eyes and a very short tail. Recognising a blind snake is usually easier than telling which blind-snake species it is.
Open identification guideTyphlopidae
Centralian Blind Snake
Anilios centralis
A slender blind snake described from the Alice Springs area in Central Australia.
Open identification guideTyphlopidae
Western Kimberley Blind Snake
Anilios zonula
A small blind snake recorded from Storr and Augustus islands in Western Australia. It has a slender body, blunt snout and no tail spine.
Open identification guideSources checked
- Australian Reptile Online Database — Murchison Blind Snake (2026-09-25)
- The Reptile Database — Anilios leptosoma (2026-09-25)
- Queensland Government — Blind snakes (2026-09-25)
Still not sure?
Compare this snake with more clues.
A profile is a guide, not a reason to approach or handle a snake.