First report of the invasive Indotyphlops braminus (Daudin, 1803), Flowerpot Blindsnake (Serpentes, Typhlopidae), in Ecuador

By

Zavala, Eduardo
Arteaga, Alejandro

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2025-4-8

Original Publication

Check list : journal of species lists and distribution

Volume

21

Series / Issue

Issue: 2

Pages

420--426

Subjects

Biodiversity , Exotic species , fossorial , Parthenogenesis

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

[São Paulo, Brazil] Luís Felipe Toledo 2005-

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15560/21.2.420

 

Abstract

Indotyphlops braminus (Daudin, 1803), a fossorial snake of the family Typhlopidae, is reported for the first time in Guayas Province, Ecuador. These new records extend this species’ distribution to South America. Native to southern India and Sri Lanka, I. braminus has spread worldwide through unintentional transport with ornamental plants. As one of the smallest snakes, it reproduces via triploid parthenogenesis and thrives in diverse habitats. Its accidental introduction may pose risks to local biodiversity. Monitoring and management efforts are required to control its spread and mitigate ecological impacts.