While the majority of snakes inhabit abandoned burrows, there are certain species that have developed to dig and construct their own underground dwellings. These fossorial or burrowing snakes are skilled diggers, employing their abilities to evade predators, maintain body temperature, and sometimes ambush prey. Their burrows are a secure habitat that shields them from harsh weather and predators. Yet research indicates that fossorial snakes can be more threatened with extinction than non-burrowing snakes. The susceptibility might be a result of habitat destruction, climatic changes, or the special conditions required for their burrowing activity, emphasising the importance of specific conservation efforts. Discover 10 such snake species that create their homes underground.
Snake species that make their homes underground
The burrowing asp
Of the most recognizable burrowing snakes is the burrowing asp, a term applied to an entire genus of animals that range across northern Africa and the Middle East. These animals are stout and typically darkly colored, measuring typically one to four feet long. Spending their whole life near or underground, burrowing asps are especially dreaded as a result of their powerful venom. One special characteristic of burrowing asps is that they can "side stab," meaning they can attack prey or defend themselves by projecting their fangs sideways out of their mouths. They mainly feed on small mammals and reptiles that also live near the ground.
Kirtland's snake
Indigenous to the midwestern United States, Kirtland's snake is a shy, reclusive animal that rarely emerges. Generally not over two feet in length, the snakes like to hide beneath leaf litter or in loose, damp soil. With reddish-brown tops topped with dark, rounded spots and bright orange-red undersides, Kirtland's snakes find their home in wetlands, prairies, and boggy areas. All too often, with loss of habitat and their very reclusive nature, they are now rare.
Sand boas
The sand boa is an entire subfamily of snakes specially adapted to life underground. While they are part of the same family as the larger boa constrictors, sand boas are different in both appearance and behavior. With slender heads that are only slightly wider than their necks and small eyes that are well adapted to underground life, these snakes grow up to four feet long. Sand boas have habitats in parts of North America, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Europe. They are well concealed beneath sand, coming up primarily to capture unsuspecting prey. Being non-venomous constrictors, they immobilize prey by constriction instead of biting.
South American striped blind snake
The South American striped blind snake, also referred to as Brongersma's worm snake, is an unusual burrowing species from Central and South America. With their heavy bodies, tiny heads, and total absence of useful vision, these snakes spend nearly their entire lives beneath the ground. Small insects such as termites and ants make up most of their diet. Often light brown to dark brown, these snakes have a relatively modest length of approximately one foot, relying on their increased sense of touch and chemical perception to navigate their black world.
Trinidad blind snake
Most closely allied to the South American striped blind snake, the Trinidad blind snake has numerous comparable characteristics. Small and blind, these snakes measure around two feet in length and are enveloped in dark brown scales, topped by pale pink heads offering slight variation. Native to areas of South and Central America, the Trinidad blind snake is at present listed as being endangered, with its meetings with people being incredibly few. Similar to its cousins, it spends almost its entire existence burrowing in soft ground.
The worm snake
In the eastern woodlands of North America, the worm snake is found dwelling within rotting timber, leaf mold, and loose soil. With its descriptive name, the worm snake is lean, with minuscule eyes and thin heads, no more than one foot in length. Although they closely resemble real worms, these serpents are clearly identifiable as such. Only occasionally do these snakes venture forth into open terrain, as they much prefer hiding as they scavenge on small insects in the ground.
Brahminy blind snakes
The Brahminy blind snake, also referred to as the "flowerpot snake," is natively found in Southeast Asia but has managed to migrate to other regions around the world, including Florida, United States. They are one of the smallest and most benign snakes on the planet, measuring barely one foot in length, with thin black noodle-like bodies. They live by foraging underground for ant larvae and eggs. Because of their small size and non-volant nature, they are frequently undetected even as their range increases.
Black-headed python
Native to northern Australia, the black-headed python is distinguished by its dramatic coloration—a glossy black head offset by a tan, mottled body. Black-headed pythons are quite large, reaching lengths of six feet or more. Even so, they like the security of burrowing in loose earth and rocky ground. Although not venomous, black-headed pythons are effective predators and tend to hunt other reptiles, including other snakes.
Woma python
The Woma python, also known as the sand python or Ramsay's python, has a lot in common with other burrowing snakes. It has a diminutive head and small eyes and reaches a length of about five feet. With tan-colored bodies and pale striping, these snakes thrive in habitats covered with rotting logs and dense leaf cover. Found in Australia, Woma pythons primarily feed on reptiles but will not turn down small mammals if the chance presents itself.
Hognose snake
At the top of the burrowing snakes are hognose snakes, a genus with several species that are quite closely related to one another. Renowned for their snout-like, pig-bill-shaped snouts, hognose snakes are designed to dig through loose earth and forest litter. Small and non-venomous to humans, these snakes are seldom more than two feet long. Their specialized snouts and stealthy nature make them one of the most interesting and specialized burrowers among snakes.
Also Read | Indian cobra vs Chinese cobra: Know the key differences on the basis of their size, venom, habitat and more
Snake species that make their homes underground
The burrowing asp
Of the most recognizable burrowing snakes is the burrowing asp, a term applied to an entire genus of animals that range across northern Africa and the Middle East. These animals are stout and typically darkly colored, measuring typically one to four feet long. Spending their whole life near or underground, burrowing asps are especially dreaded as a result of their powerful venom. One special characteristic of burrowing asps is that they can "side stab," meaning they can attack prey or defend themselves by projecting their fangs sideways out of their mouths. They mainly feed on small mammals and reptiles that also live near the ground.
Kirtland's snake
Indigenous to the midwestern United States, Kirtland's snake is a shy, reclusive animal that rarely emerges. Generally not over two feet in length, the snakes like to hide beneath leaf litter or in loose, damp soil. With reddish-brown tops topped with dark, rounded spots and bright orange-red undersides, Kirtland's snakes find their home in wetlands, prairies, and boggy areas. All too often, with loss of habitat and their very reclusive nature, they are now rare.
Sand boas
The sand boa is an entire subfamily of snakes specially adapted to life underground. While they are part of the same family as the larger boa constrictors, sand boas are different in both appearance and behavior. With slender heads that are only slightly wider than their necks and small eyes that are well adapted to underground life, these snakes grow up to four feet long. Sand boas have habitats in parts of North America, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Europe. They are well concealed beneath sand, coming up primarily to capture unsuspecting prey. Being non-venomous constrictors, they immobilize prey by constriction instead of biting.
South American striped blind snake
The South American striped blind snake, also referred to as Brongersma's worm snake, is an unusual burrowing species from Central and South America. With their heavy bodies, tiny heads, and total absence of useful vision, these snakes spend nearly their entire lives beneath the ground. Small insects such as termites and ants make up most of their diet. Often light brown to dark brown, these snakes have a relatively modest length of approximately one foot, relying on their increased sense of touch and chemical perception to navigate their black world.
Trinidad blind snake
Most closely allied to the South American striped blind snake, the Trinidad blind snake has numerous comparable characteristics. Small and blind, these snakes measure around two feet in length and are enveloped in dark brown scales, topped by pale pink heads offering slight variation. Native to areas of South and Central America, the Trinidad blind snake is at present listed as being endangered, with its meetings with people being incredibly few. Similar to its cousins, it spends almost its entire existence burrowing in soft ground.
The worm snake
In the eastern woodlands of North America, the worm snake is found dwelling within rotting timber, leaf mold, and loose soil. With its descriptive name, the worm snake is lean, with minuscule eyes and thin heads, no more than one foot in length. Although they closely resemble real worms, these serpents are clearly identifiable as such. Only occasionally do these snakes venture forth into open terrain, as they much prefer hiding as they scavenge on small insects in the ground.
Brahminy blind snakes
The Brahminy blind snake, also referred to as the "flowerpot snake," is natively found in Southeast Asia but has managed to migrate to other regions around the world, including Florida, United States. They are one of the smallest and most benign snakes on the planet, measuring barely one foot in length, with thin black noodle-like bodies. They live by foraging underground for ant larvae and eggs. Because of their small size and non-volant nature, they are frequently undetected even as their range increases.
Black-headed python
Native to northern Australia, the black-headed python is distinguished by its dramatic coloration—a glossy black head offset by a tan, mottled body. Black-headed pythons are quite large, reaching lengths of six feet or more. Even so, they like the security of burrowing in loose earth and rocky ground. Although not venomous, black-headed pythons are effective predators and tend to hunt other reptiles, including other snakes.
Woma python
The Woma python, also known as the sand python or Ramsay's python, has a lot in common with other burrowing snakes. It has a diminutive head and small eyes and reaches a length of about five feet. With tan-colored bodies and pale striping, these snakes thrive in habitats covered with rotting logs and dense leaf cover. Found in Australia, Woma pythons primarily feed on reptiles but will not turn down small mammals if the chance presents itself.
Hognose snake
At the top of the burrowing snakes are hognose snakes, a genus with several species that are quite closely related to one another. Renowned for their snout-like, pig-bill-shaped snouts, hognose snakes are designed to dig through loose earth and forest litter. Small and non-venomous to humans, these snakes are seldom more than two feet long. Their specialized snouts and stealthy nature make them one of the most interesting and specialized burrowers among snakes.
Also Read | Indian cobra vs Chinese cobra: Know the key differences on the basis of their size, venom, habitat and more
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