Brahminy Blindsnake

Names and classification

Scientific name

Indotyphlops braminus

Common names

Brahminy Blindsnake

Family

Typhlopidae

Kauaʻi occurrence and status

Kauaʻi occurrence

Present

Origin

Introduced

Conservation status

Not assessed

Evidence limits

Occurrence is supported; local abundance and impact estimates remain less certain than presence.

Habitat and ecology

Habitats

Soil, compost, leaf litter, gardens and other loose substrates.

Food and resource needs

Ant and termite eggs/larvae and other small soil invertebrates.

Reproduction

Parthenogenetic reproduction; eggs in protected soil/cover.

Shelter

Loose moist soil, litter, compost, rocks and concealed refuges.

Threats and conservation

Threats

Generally low direct conservation concern, but plant/soil movement readily spreads the species.

Conservation actions

Early detection, containment/control where feasible, prevent intentional release or transport, protect high-value native habitats, and monitor ecological effects.

Monitoring

Repeat island occurrence surveys, population trend monitoring, and impact studies using standardized methods.

Data gaps

Current population distribution, abundance, and Kauaʻi-specific ecological effect sizes remain incompletely quantified.

Process and seasonal context

Seasonal timing

Generally year-round in Hawaiʻi; local activity varies with temperature and moisture

Seasonal description

Brahminy Blindsnake (Indotyphlops braminus) is a documented established nonnative species on Kauaʻi.

Sources and further reading

• Bishop Museum — Hawaiian Reptile & Amphibian Checklist
• iNaturalist — Kauaʻi Check List