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If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you probably know why I started writing. By nature of my job duties and professional expertise, friends and clientele frequently reach out when they come across something odd while outdoors. I’ve been the recipient of random texts and emailed photos of bizarre-looking squishy finds from the beach, [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_40457" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-40457" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/09/brahminy-blind-snake-1-scaled.jpg"><img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class="size-medium wp-image-40457 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="203" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/09/brahminy-blind-snake-1-300x203.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-40457" class="wp-caption-text">As evidenced by the scale adjacent to a quarter, the Brahminy blind snake looks more like a worm than a typical snake!</figcaption></figure>
If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you probably know why I started writing. By nature of my job duties and professional expertise, friends and clientele frequently reach out when they come across something odd while outdoors. I’ve been the recipient of random texts and emailed photos of bizarre-looking squishy finds from the beach, unusual plants, and snakes…lots and lots of snakes.
<figure id="attachment_40455" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-40455" style="width: 227px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/09/blind-snake-swim.jpeg"><img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-40455 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="227" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/09/blind-snake-swim-227x300.jpeg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-40455" class="wp-caption-text">While found most commonly buried in the soil, the Brahminy blind snake can get around in water as well. Photo credit: Huntley Jimenez</figcaption></figure>
So, when I got photos of a weird little wormlike critter by text last month, I wasn’t the least bit surprised. I’ve actually planned to write about this one for a while, because several people have asked me about it over the years.
The <a href="https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/florida-snake-id/snake/brahminy-blindsnake/">Brahminy blind snake Indotyphlops braminus (also called the “Flowerpot Snake”)</a> is considered a nonnative species due to its origin (Asia &amp; Africa) and movement into natural areas in Florida since the 1970s. Even thought it&#8217;s not from here, most biologists do not consider them “<a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR439">invasive,&#8221;</a> as they do not meet the criteria of causing ecological or economic harm. In fact, I’ve only heard about people finding them in the Pensacola city limits—particularly East Hill or North Hill neighborhoods (but if you’ve seen one elsewhere, let me know!). Like many introduced insects and amphibians, the snake itself is typically transported through the landscape trade. It is small and can easily <a href="https://www.checflorida.org/post/brahminy-blindsnake-the-land-of-the-blind">bury itself in the soil</a> of a large tree or shrub container. These snakes can also swim, as evidenced by video from my friend of one wriggling around in her pool.
<figure id="attachment_40453" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-40453" style="width: 201px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/09/blind-snake-pool.jpeg"><img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-40453 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="201" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/09/blind-snake-pool-201x300.jpeg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-40453" class="wp-caption-text">It is easy to see the snake&#8217;s deep black coloration in contrast here with the blue pool and water. Their heads and tails are almost identical. Photo credit: Huntley Jimenez</figcaption></figure>
Brahminy blind snakes are members of the Typhlopidae family, which is composed of a cohort of burying snakes that mostly live in underground burrows in the soil. Spending their time in the dark, they have lost the need for vision (like cave-dwelling creatures). They have eye spots that can detect some light, but no detailed visual capability&#8211;hence the &#8220;blind&#8221; in their name. The tiny <a href="https://www.inaturalist.org/guide_taxa/1331781">snakes are  solid black (or sometimes purplish gray)</a>, about 4-6” long, and truly resemble a worm more than any snake most people are accustomed to seeing. They eat ant and termite eggs and larvae, so many folks would consider their role in the ecosystem rather useful. They are nonvenomous and do not bite, although they will push the slightly pointier posterior end of their bodies onto your skin (this won’t hurt) in a fruitless attempt at self-defense.
Interestingly, Brahminy blind snakes are all female. The species reproduces asexually through a process called <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/thelytoky">parthenogenic thelytoky</a>. The snake’s eggs can divide without a male, and offspring are genetic clones of the mother. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/veterinary-science-and-veterinary-medicine/parthenogenesis">Most species with this reproductive adaptation are insects</a> (including the snake&#8217;s typical prey, ants), and it is rare among vertebrates. So rare, in fact, that the only vertebrates reproducing via parthenogenesis include several dozen lizards and the Brahminy blind snake. There are plenty of advantages to cutting out the &#8220;middle man&#8221; so to speak, including faster reproductive cycles and a reduction in energy expenditures related to finding a mate. However, creating genetic clones reduces population diversity, so any disease or innate vulnerability could wipe out relatives without genetic immunity.

As evidenced by the scale adjacent to a quarter, the Brahminy blind snake looks more like a worm than a typical snake!
If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you probably know why I started writing. By nature of my job duties and professional expertise, friends and clientele frequently reach out when they come across something odd while outdoors. I’ve been the recipient of random texts and emailed photos of bizarre-looking squishy finds from the beach, unusual plants, and snakes…lots and lots of snakes.
While found most commonly buried in the soil, the Brahminy blind snake can get around in water as well. Photo credit: Huntley Jimenez
So, when I got photos of a weird little wormlike critter by text last month, I wasn’t the least bit surprised. I’ve actually planned to write about this one for a while, because several people have asked me about it over the years.
The Brahminy blind snake Indotyphlops braminus (also called the “Flowerpot Snake”) is considered a nonnative species due to its origin (Asia & Africa) and movement into natural areas in Florida since the 1970s. Even thought it’s not from here, most biologists do not consider them “invasive,” as they do not meet the criteria of causing ecological or economic harm. In fact, I’ve only heard about people finding them in the Pensacola city limits—particularly East Hill or North Hill neighborhoods (but if you’ve seen one elsewhere, let me know!). Like many introduced insects and amphibians, the snake itself is typically transported through the landscape trade. It is small and can easily bury itself in the soil of a large tree or shrub container. These snakes can also swim, as evidenced by video from my friend of one wriggling around in her pool.
It is easy to see the snake’s deep black coloration in contrast here with the blue pool and water. Their heads and tails are almost identical. Photo credit: Huntley Jimenez
Brahminy blind snakes are members of the Typhlopidae family, which is composed of a cohort of burying snakes that mostly live in underground burrows in the soil. Spending their time in the dark, they have lost the need for vision (like cave-dwelling creatures). They have eye spots that can detect some light, but no detailed visual capability–hence the “blind” in their name. The tiny snakes are  solid black (or sometimes purplish gray), about 4-6” long, and truly resemble a worm more than any snake most people are accustomed to seeing. They eat ant and termite eggs and larvae, so many folks would consider their role in the ecosystem rather useful. They are nonvenomous and do not bite, although they will push the slightly pointier posterior end of their bodies onto your skin (this won’t hurt) in a fruitless attempt at self-defense.
Interestingly, Brahminy blind snakes are all female. The species reproduces asexually through a process called parthenogenic thelytoky. The snake’s eggs can divide without a male, and offspring are genetic clones of the mother. Most species with this reproductive adaptation are insects (including the snake’s typical prey, ants), and it is rare among vertebrates. So rare, in fact, that the only vertebrates reproducing via parthenogenesis include several dozen lizards and the Brahminy blind snake. There are plenty of advantages to cutting out the “middle man” so to speak, including faster reproductive cycles and a reduction in energy expenditures related to finding a mate. However, creating genetic clones reduces population diversity, so any disease or innate vulnerability could wipe out relatives without genetic immunity.

If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you probably know why I started writing. By nature of my job duties and professional expertise, friends and clientele frequently reach out when they come across something odd while outdoors. I’ve been the recipient of random texts and emailed photos of bizarre-looking squishy finds from the beach, […]

Weekly “What is it?”: Brahminy blind snake

People have a lot of strong feelings about snakes. Whether it be fear, alarm, hatred, or wonder, it’s rare someone doesn’t react at all to seeing a snake in front of them. I will say, though, that when one of our volunteers sent a photo of a snake he’d come across in his yard, my [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_40193" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-40193" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/08/mud-snake.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-40193 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="209" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/08/mud-snake-300x209.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-40193" class="wp-caption-text">This mudsnake was photographed near Perdido Key. Photo credit: Jerry Patee</figcaption></figure>
People have a lot of strong feelings about snakes. Whether it be fear, alarm, hatred, or wonder, it’s rare someone doesn’t react at all to seeing a snake in front of them. I will say, though, that when one of our volunteers sent a photo of a snake he’d come across in his yard, my very first thought was, simply, “Wow!” This was no ordinary snake—it was truly beautiful. Shiny black with deep red markings, its scarlet body resembled jewelry more than reptilian coloration. Our resident snake pro, Rick, identified it quickly as a mudsnake, but its drab name is a poor fit for its attractiveness.
<figure id="attachment_40191" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-40191" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/08/adult-mudsnake.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-40191 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="200" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/08/adult-mudsnake-300x200.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-40191" class="wp-caption-text">Adult Mudsnake, ventral (belly) coloration. Photo courtesy of Todd Pierson.</figcaption></figure>
As an adult, this species can grow to be around 4-5’ long. The red, or sometimes pink, body has alternating black bands that remind me of piano keys. Mudsnakes are nonvenomous and found throughout Florida except for the Keys. In our region of the Panhandle, the <a href="https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/florida-snake-id/snake/red-bellied-mud-snake/">Eastern mudsnake (Farancia abacura)</a> may interbreed with the Western mudsnake (Farancia abacura reinwardtii). The Western has a handful fewer red/pink bars on its body but otherwise nearly identical.
<figure id="attachment_40195" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-40195" style="width: 227px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/08/Hoop_snake.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-40195 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="227" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/08/Hoop_snake-227x300.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-40195" class="wp-caption-text">Illustration of the fictional &#8220;hoop snake&#8221; as featured in Fearsome Critters, Written by Henry H. Tryon • Illustrated by Margaret R. Tryon (Cornwall, NY: Idlewild Press, 1939) &#8211; http://www.lumberwoods.com/fearsome_critters.htm</figcaption></figure>
The snakes are considered aquatic species, <a href="https://srelherp.uga.edu/snakes/mud-snake/">preferring wet habitats</a> like marshes, swamps, ditches, and open-water rivers and lakes. They can live in both fresh and brackish water. This one was reported from a Perdido Key neighborhood, which is an expected location. Appropriately for their habitat, they feed on frogs, fish, and salamanders. When reproducing, females will stay with their eggs (average 30) until they hatch, which may be from late summer to October.
Mudsnakes are not aggressive and will usually leave in the presence of humans. This likely accounts for their rare sightings. The snakes may attempt a fake strike, but even during this behavior their mouths will be closed. Members of the species will sometimes rest with their bodies in a circular shape and also have a spiny scale at the base of their tail. These two factors likely gave rise to the <a href="https://www.al.com/strange-alabama/2012/04/hoop_snakes_are_no_hula_hoops.html">legend of the “hoop snake,”</a> which has been told in the deep South since early colonial days. This wild tale states that the snake will grab its own tail by the mouth and roll down a hill like a wheel, aiming at a victim. Once upon its prey, the snake unfurls and slings itself like a spear, tail-first with that “spine” into a victim. The myth states that the spiny section of their tail is so venomous that even a tree struck by a “hoop snake” will die. Floridians are known to come up with some crazy stories, but this one really cracks me up. According to lore, the best way to escape from a hoop snake is to run uphill, or behind a tree. Needless to say, the tale of the hoop snake is complete fiction.

This mudsnake was photographed near Perdido Key. Photo credit: Jerry Patee
People have a lot of strong feelings about snakes. Whether it be fear, alarm, hatred, or wonder, it’s rare someone doesn’t react at all to seeing a snake in front of them. I will say, though, that when one of our volunteers sent a photo of a snake he’d come across in his yard, my very first thought was, simply, “Wow!” This was no ordinary snake—it was truly beautiful. Shiny black with deep red markings, its scarlet body resembled jewelry more than reptilian coloration. Our resident snake pro, Rick, identified it quickly as a mudsnake, but its drab name is a poor fit for its attractiveness.
Adult Mudsnake, ventral (belly) coloration. Photo courtesy of Todd Pierson.
As an adult, this species can grow to be around 4-5’ long. The red, or sometimes pink, body has alternating black bands that remind me of piano keys. Mudsnakes are nonvenomous and found throughout Florida except for the Keys. In our region of the Panhandle, the Eastern mudsnake (Farancia abacura) may interbreed with the Western mudsnake (Farancia abacura reinwardtii). The Western has a handful fewer red/pink bars on its body but otherwise nearly identical.
Illustration of the fictional “hoop snake” as featured in Fearsome Critters, Written by Henry H. Tryon • Illustrated by Margaret R. Tryon (Cornwall, NY: Idlewild Press, 1939) – http://www.lumberwoods.com/fearsome_critters.htm
The snakes are considered aquatic species, preferring wet habitats like marshes, swamps, ditches, and open-water rivers and lakes. They can live in both fresh and brackish water. This one was reported from a Perdido Key neighborhood, which is an expected location. Appropriately for their habitat, they feed on frogs, fish, and salamanders. When reproducing, females will stay with their eggs (average 30) until they hatch, which may be from late summer to October.
Mudsnakes are not aggressive and will usually leave in the presence of humans. This likely accounts for their rare sightings. The snakes may attempt a fake strike, but even during this behavior their mouths will be closed. Members of the species will sometimes rest with their bodies in a circular shape and also have a spiny scale at the base of their tail. These two factors likely gave rise to the legend of the “hoop snake,” which has been told in the deep South since early colonial days. This wild tale states that the snake will grab its own tail by the mouth and roll down a hill like a wheel, aiming at a victim. Once upon its prey, the snake unfurls and slings itself like a spear, tail-first with that “spine” into a victim. The myth states that the spiny section of their tail is so venomous that even a tree struck by a “hoop snake” will die. Floridians are known to come up with some crazy stories, but this one really cracks me up. According to lore, the best way to escape from a hoop snake is to run uphill, or behind a tree. Needless to say, the tale of the hoop snake is complete fiction.

People have a lot of strong feelings about snakes. Whether it be fear, alarm, hatred, or wonder, it’s rare someone doesn’t react at all to seeing a snake in front of them. I will say, though, that when one of our volunteers sent a photo of a snake he’d come across in his yard, my […]

Weekly “What is it?”: Mudsnakes

In 2022 Escambia County Extension began the Snake Watch Project.  The objective of this project was to log which snakes people encounter when they are out and about, where they encountered them, and what time of year.  The purpose of this was to help educate new residents to the area what they most likely will [&#8230;]

In 2022 Escambia County Extension began the Snake Watch Project.  The objective of this project was to log which snakes people encounter when they are out and about, where they encountered them, and what time of year.  The purpose of this was to help educate new residents to the area what they most likely will encounter, where these snakes are often found, and what time of year.
&nbsp;
In 2022 there were 91 reports logging 21 of the 40 known species (53%).  The top three encountered species were (1) Southern Black Racer, (2) Cottonmouth, (3) Eastern Ribbon Snake.  All three were found in both the north and south ends of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
&nbsp;
In 2023 there were 215 reports (more people participating) logging 24 of the 40 known species (60%).  The top three encountered were (1) Cottonmouth, (2) Southern Black Racer, (3) Banded Water Snake.  Again, these were found across the bay area.
&nbsp;
As of the end of the 2nd quarter of 2024 there have been 112 reports logging 19 of the 40 known species (48%).  The top three encountered so far this year have been (1) Cottonmouth, (2) Southern Black Racer, (3) Banded Water Snake.  All three have been found throughout the bay area.
&nbsp;
Other species logged so far this year…
<ol>
<li>Small snakes (&lt;12”) – Rough earth snake, Florida red-bellied snake, Ring-necked snake.</li>
<li>Medium snakes (12-24”) – Scarlet snake, Rough green snake, Eastern ribbon snake, Eastern garter snake, Scarlet kingsnake.</li>
<li>Large snakes (&gt;24”) – Eastern kingsnake, Gray rat snake, Corn snake, Southern black racer, Eastern coachwhip.</li>
<li>Water snakes – Banded water snake, Gulf salt marsh snake, Eastern green water snake.</li>
<li>Venomous snakes – Cottonmouth, Eastern diamondback rattlesnake.</li>
<li>Exotic snakes – Brahminy blind snake.</li>
</ol>
Though most snakes in our area are nonvenomous, all will bite and residents should be cautious near them.  If you encounter a snake in Escambia or Santa Rosa counties and would like to submit a report, email the information and a photo to Rick O’Connor at <a href="mailto:roc1@ufl.edu">roc1@ufl.edu</a>.
&nbsp;
We will post the 3rd quarter update in October.

In 2022 Escambia County Extension began the Snake Watch Project.  The objective of this project was to log which snakes people encounter when they are out and about, where they encountered them, and what time of year.  The purpose of this was to help educate new residents to the area what they most likely will encounter, where these snakes are often found, and what time of year.
 
In 2022 there were 91 reports logging 21 of the 40 known species (53%).  The top three encountered species were (1) Southern Black Racer, (2) Cottonmouth, (3) Eastern Ribbon Snake.  All three were found in both the north and south ends of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
 
In 2023 there were 215 reports (more people participating) logging 24 of the 40 known species (60%).  The top three encountered were (1) Cottonmouth, (2) Southern Black Racer, (3) Banded Water Snake.  Again, these were found across the bay area.
 
As of the end of the 2nd quarter of 2024 there have been 112 reports logging 19 of the 40 known species (48%).  The top three encountered so far this year have been (1) Cottonmouth, (2) Southern Black Racer, (3) Banded Water Snake.  All three have been found throughout the bay area.
 
Other species logged so far this year…
Small snakes (<12”) – Rough earth snake, Florida red-bellied snake, Ring-necked snake.
Medium snakes (12-24”) – Scarlet snake, Rough green snake, Eastern ribbon snake, Eastern garter snake, Scarlet kingsnake.
Large snakes (>24”) – Eastern kingsnake, Gray rat snake, Corn snake, Southern black racer, Eastern coachwhip.
Water snakes – Banded water snake, Gulf salt marsh snake, Eastern green water snake.
Venomous snakes – Cottonmouth, Eastern diamondback rattlesnake.
Exotic snakes – Brahminy blind snake.
Though most snakes in our area are nonvenomous, all will bite and residents should be cautious near them.  If you encounter a snake in Escambia or Santa Rosa counties and would like to submit a report, email the information and a photo to Rick O’Connor at roc1@ufl.edu.
 
We will post the 3rd quarter update in October.

In 2022 Escambia County Extension began the Snake Watch Project.  The objective of this project was to log which snakes people encounter when they are out and about, where they encountered them, and what time of year.  The purpose of this was to help educate new residents to the area what they most likely will […]

2024 Snake Watch 2nd Quarter Update

Wildlife

Vida Silvestre

Reptiles

Dealing with Snakes in Florida's Residential Areas series

This series of four fact sheets helps teachers and parents protect children from potentially hazardous interactions with venomous snakes in Florida. Written with Florida public schools in mind, private schools, child daycare centers, and homeowners will also find this information useful, including:
<ol>
<li>information that schools can provide to concerned parents</li> 
<li>steps schools can take to discourage snakes from entering school property</li>
<li>a brief educational program teachers can present to students</li>
<li>an action plan telling what to do in the event a child is bitten by a venomous snake, and</li>
<li>a guide to assist in recognizing venomous snakes in Florida.</li></ol>
<h2>Related websites</h2>
<ul><li><a href="http://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/dealing_with_snakes.shtml">UF Wildlife: Dealing with Snakes</a></li></ul>

Dealing with Venomous Snakes in Florida School Yards series

Entities

UF/IFAS Extension Initiative 3: Natural Resources and Environmental Quality

The complex of climatic, soil and biotic factors that act upon an organism or ecological community and ultimately determine its form and survival. [<a href="https://lod.nal.usda.gov/nalt/26877">NALT</a>]

Snakes

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Snakebites

Publications

"Black Snakes": Identification and Ecology

Large Snake Lineup for South Florida: A Guide to Differentiating between Non-Native and Native Snakes

Managing Conflicts with Wildlife: Living with Snakes

Snakes of the Everglades Agricultural Area

The Florida Pinesnake: Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus

Venomous Snakes and Lizards of New Mexico

Wildlife of Florida Factsheet: Eastern Indigo Snake

Related IFAS Blog Posts

Weekly “What is it?”: Brahminy blind snake

Weekly “What is it?”: Mudsnakes

2024 Snake Watch 2nd Quarter Update

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Dealing with Snakes in Florida's Residential Areas series

Dealing with Venomous Snakes in Florida School Yards series

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