Texas Threadsnake
The Texas threadsnake is wormlike in appearance and fairly secretive, so its abundance in Colorado is unknown.
About This Species
A long, slender body that resembles a thick thread or a worm, thus its name.
More Information:
Physical Characteristics
Scales smooth (unkeeled) and shiny, with those on belly same size as scales on back; eyes evident only as dark spots; short spine at tip of tail; maximum total length 29 cm (11.4 inches).
Range
Known from a few locations in southeastern Colorado. Secretive, burrowing species; abundance uncertain.
Habitat
Has been found on canyon slopes and bottoms, including areas with piñon pine, junipers, and various shrubs; usually in damp, loose soil among and under rocks; apparently moves deeper underground when the surface soil becomes dry in summer. Rarely seen in the open, but does sometimes crawl on the surface at night.
Diet
Ant and termites dominate the diet.
Reproduction
Females deposit eggs, often communally, in June or July. They attend the eggs during incubation.