Typhlopidae

views updated May 29 2018

Typhlopidae (blind snakes; order Squamata, suborder Serpentes) A family of primitive burrowing snakes that have a small, rigid skull with teeth only on the upper jaw. The eyes lie beneath scales. The body is worm-like, with a short tail, often ending in a spine. A rudimentary pelvis is present. The scales are small (not enlarged ventrally). There are about 200 species, found in the Old and New Worlds, and Australia.

blind snakes

views updated May 23 2018

blind snakes See TYPHLOPIDAE.