South Texas Blind Snake (Leptotyphlops Dulcis rubellum)--Non-Venomous Snakes

First on our list is non-venomous or beneficial snakes. Let’s start with the smallest snakes that have shown themselves here. 

South Texas Blind Snake (Leptotyphlops Dulcis rubellum)

This little guy is easily mistaken for a worm. In fact, it’s possible almost everyone has encountered this snake and didn’t even realize it. The most distinct feature that I found is that the South Texas Blind Snake has a face (relatively) where worms do not. I have only found these little slitherers in very loose, soft dirt near the base of bushy brush plants or under decomposing wood. According to Texas Snakes: A Field Guide, they range in length from 5-8 inches. The ones I’ve encountered have been roughly 6 inches in length. They are quickly overlooked, and for their sake I’m sure that’s a good thing! These snakes are bashful and prefer just to avoid you and have never shown any aggression toward me. Dog’s seem to never notice their existence (another good thing for them). If you encounter one of these guys, just say hello and let them go on their merry way if possible. If you do need to relocate a South Texas Blind Snake, try to ease them into a small container and place them in some nice soft soil under cover.

Image available here