Note the tiny eyes and lack of eyecap on this burrowing snake.This primitive snake possesses a vestigial pelvic girdle that is represented externally by a pair of cloacal spurs. It is an ovoviviparous (live-bearing) species. It is non-venomous, and its diet consists mainly of other ectothermic species (caecilians, frogs, burrowing lizards and burrowing snakes). The coral pipesnake is found in the Amazonian rainforests as well as in the Guyanas and Trinidad. It is adult at 22-28 inches in length including the very short tail. Rather than dedicated eyecaps, the small eyes are covered by large translucent scales. Modified ventral scutes are present but are very narrow.

I believe this snake is so seldom seen due to its burrowing propensities, not because it is rare. We seem to find one on the crawl after every torrential rainy season shower. These examples were found in Amazonian Peru.

As you can imagine, the finding of one is always a pleasure.