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Schneider's earth snake facts for kids

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Schneider's earth snake
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Genus:
Rhinophis
Species:
oxyrhynchus
Synonyms
  • Typhlops oxyrhynchus Schneider, 1801
  • Dapatnaya lankadivana Kelaart, 1853
  • Mytilia unimaculata Gray, 1858
  • Rhinophis oxyrhynchus
    Beddome, 1886

The Rhinophis oxyrhynchus, also known as Schneider's earth snake or Schneider's shieldtail, is a special kind of snake. It belongs to a group called uropeltid snakes. This snake is found only in Sri Lanka, which means it is endemic to that country.

Where Does This Snake Live?

This unique snake lives in Sri Lanka. You can find it in the northern and eastern parts of the country. Specifically, it has been seen in areas like Mullaitivu, Vavoniya, and Trincomalee.

What Does Schneider's Earth Snake Look Like?

Size and Color

Schneider's earth snake is usually brown all over its body. Each of its scales has a lighter edge, which gives it a cool pattern. Its tail often has some yellow markings too.

Adult snakes of this species can grow up to about 43 centimeters (about 17 inches) long. That's roughly the length of a standard ruler!

Special Features

This snake has a very pointed snout. Its nose shield is narrow and has a ridge on top. The eyes are small and are part of a special shield on its head.

One of the most interesting parts of this snake is its tail. The tail ends in a large, bumpy shield. This shield is not flat or spiky at the end. It's a unique feature that helps identify this type of snake.

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