8 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I. 
Suborder OPHIDIA. 
Family ‘TyPHLOPIDAE. 
These small worm-like snakes lead an almost entirely subterranean 
existence, and are therefore not often met with by the casual observer. 
They feed largely on worms. In general aspect many of the species 
bear a close resemblance to each other and cannot be identified with- 
out a close and detailed examination. ‘ There are no ventral shields as 
with the majority of snakes and the body is covered with smooth 
scales of uniform size. The tail is blunt, extremely short and it is 
often difficult at a glance to distinguish it from. the head. The eyes 
are very small and covered by shields. Three species have so far been 
found here, 
1. Typhlops braminus. 
Siamese. aay (ngu din ), the term being applied indiscri- 
minately to many of the earth snakes. 
Not very common in Bangkok although it is by far the 
commonest and most widely distributed of all the burrowing snakes in 
Southern Asia. Possibly the inundations to which we are annually 
subject and which often last a considerable time, prevent this species 
from becoming more prevalent. Found in the earth of gardens, or 
in hiding beneath logs of wood or among heaps of old leaves. By 
the Siamese it is considered highly poisonous, but apart from its 
Jacking poison glands, the mouth is so extremely small that it can 
hardly he capable of biting even in self defence. 1 have never yet 
known one attempt to do so. Length 175 mm. (7 inches). 
Colour and markings. Black or dark brown above, lighter 
beneath, snout, anal region and end of tail usually whitish. 
Habitet. Southern Asia and the islands of the Indian Archi- 
pelago. Also South Africa and Mexico. 
2. Typhlops schneideri. 
Halitut. Siam. 
3. Typhlops albiceps. Both these species are extremely rare. 
They are recorded in Flower’s list, but have not been met with since 
in Siam, although) the latter has been found in the Larut Hills, 
Perak. 
Halitat. Siam and Malay Peninsula. 
