Flowerpot Snake

About the News

The flowerpot snake, one of the world’s smallest snakes, has three sets of chromosomes instead of two, and has 40 chromosomes, organised into three subgenomes. By analysing the flowerpot snake’s unique genome, scientists are uncovering how the reptile repairs its DNA and prevents harmful mutations. 

• The findings provide insights into genetic repair mechanisms that could deepen our understanding of human gene evolution and also provide insights into human trisomy conditions, such as Down Syndrome.

Flowerpot Snake (Ramphotyphlops braminus) Overview

The Flowerpot Snake, also known as the Brahminy Blind Snake, is a small, harmless species of blind snake. It is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in Southeast Asia, although it has been introduced to other parts of the world as well.

Key Characteristics

• Common Name: Flowerpot Snake (Brahminy Blind Snake)
• Size: One of the smallest snakes in the world, typically growing to a length of 10-20 cm (4-8 inches).
• Non-Venomous: These snakes are completely harmless to humans and are non-venomous.
• Burrower: They spend the majority of their time underground, where they feed on small invertebrates like ants and termites.

Unique Features

• Blindness: The Flowerpot Snake doesn’t have functional eyes, hence the term “blind” in its common name. It relies on other senses to navigate and survive.
• Appearance: Due to their small size and appearance, they are often mistaken for earthworms.

Habitat and Behavior

• Flowerpot Snake Habitat: They are often found in potted plants, which is why they are called flowerpot snakes. They tend to hide in the soil of these plants, making them a frequent discovery by gardeners.

Reproductive and Genetic Uniqueness

• Chromosomal Uniqueness: The Flowerpot Snake is the only known snake species with three sets of chromosomes (trisomy) instead of the usual two.
• Asexual Reproduction: One of the fascinating traits of the Flowerpot Snake is its ability to reproduce asexually, meaning it does not require a mate for reproduction.

Flowerpot Snake FAQs

Q1. Is blind snake poisonous?
No, blind snakes are not poisonous. They are non-venomous and harmless to humans.

Q2. How big are flowerpot snakes?
Flowerpot snakes are small, typically growing to about 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 cm) in length.

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Source: Science Advances