Worm Snake??

[Mitton]

Hey
My Girlfriend found this little guy in her parents garden in Springs and we are not sure what it is. We can't find anything that looks exactly like it in Johan Marais' book, the head is not the same as the ones in the book. Can someone help from this crappy pic, it just did not want to sit still and smile for the camera.

[alexander]

That looks like a dwarf burrowing skink of sorts and you therefore won't find it in a snake book, where exactly is Springs? Remember to send into SARCA.

[Pythonodipsas]

This is most definitely a legless skink. Probably the Acontias genus and i would guess by looking at the tail that its a 'Thin-tailed legless Skink' Acontias gracilicauda

If so the belly should be lighter than the body?

[gino]

Interesting Johan is actually studying those, it was his project for his masters in science. I dont know if you saw the 50/50 episode with him 2 or 3 weeks back where he was studying these? Ive got all 14 of the "project" animals at home and i just discovered 2 babies yesterday half the size of a match stick Why dont you mail it to him aswell with the pic and where you got it im sure he would be chuffed johan@fascinationbooks.co.za

[alexander]

That must be it Pythonodipsas.

[Mitton]

Sorry I am only replying now, Alexander, Springs is to the East of Jhb, about 70km from Sandton. Pinky's valley.

Gino, I did see that episode of 50/50 but for some reason I thought this would be something else. I'll mail him but I think the pic is really crappy, the thing just did not want to sit still. But at least I can let Johan know where it was found.

[laurenb]

I found one on my wetland this morning - I was sure I'd unearthed a quill-snouted snake! Ah well, I'm sure legless skink will sound just as impressive in my reports