Brahminy Blind Snake

Brahminy Blind Snake is a VERY COMMON non-venomous snake which is in nearly every country across the world. It is a myth that Brahminy blind snakes are venomous and deadly. Here in Thailand, it is a pervasive myth. There are many kinds of blind snakes in Thailand, and also some small legless skinks that resemble snakes.

These snakes resemble thin black worms in Thailand. They have a lot of energy when you pick one up. You will likely find them in the soil in your potted plants or climbing up through your drain in your restroom.

Brahminy Blind Snakes are completely harmless, though they may bite.

[Page Updated: 19 July 2023]

Ramphotyphlops braminus (Brahminy Blind Snake)

Thai: (ngoo din ban)

Length: Up to about 6 inches (15cm)

Description: Small black or brown snakes resembling shiny worms. Upon closer inspection, small scales and a mouth that opens can be seen. Looking very closely you can see 2 black eyes.

Range: All over Thailand and much of the world, native to Southeast Asia. Transported across the world in potted plants.

Notes: These are ground-dwelling and burrowing snakes. They are shy. They are easily eaten by many other predators like birds, monitors, and other snakes. The Red Tailed Pipe snake eats these snakes often. The blind snakes have very small eyes covered with thin skin that protects them as they burrow through the dirt.

Many people have this tiny black snake come up through the pipes into their homes. We found dozens of them in our home, having come through the shower drain. They are completely harmless and yet there are rumors across the world that these are deadly snakes capable of killing humans with one bite. It is completely false. Do not kill these snakes, they are beneficial to the environment – they eat termite and ant eggs.

Active Time? Anytime. I have found them at night and daylight – under leaves or other litter on damp ground, and of course, crawling up through our drains.

Food: Ant and termite eggs primarily.

Defensive Behavior: Flip around crazily and will attempt to flee. The mouth is too small to inflict a bite on humans, and I have never seen one of these small snakes attempt to bite.

Venom Toxicity: No venom or means to inject it.

Offspring: An interesting twist here. Brahminy Blind snakes are all born female and need no males to continue the species (parthenogenic). They are parthenogenetic. When they reach sexual maturity they lay fertile eggs – and hence, are fully self-perpetuating the species. If there is one – soon there will be more!

These snakes have populated much of the Western world and can be found in Thailand, India, Hawaii, Louisiana, Boston, and other places in the USA and across the globe now.

My Brahminy Blind Snake Video:

Brahminy Blind Snake Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Typhlopidae
Genus: Ramphotyphlops
Species: R. braminus

Binomial classification:
Ramphotyphlops braminus