Blind Snake / Ulo' Åttelong
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Blind Snake / Ulo' Åttelong
Ramphotyphlops braminus
Introduced Species
Many Guam residents have probably never seen Guam's smallest snake, the blind snake, or ulo' åttelong as it is called in Chamoru. Like the kulepbla (brown tree snake), the ulo' åttelong was probably accidentally introduced to Guam by people.
Measuring up to six inches (15 cm) long, the ulo' åttelong is shy and secretive. It lives underground and is often found in rotting logs or piles of leaves. At first glance it may be mistaken for a worm. In fact, it is often called the "snake worm". Its local name, "ulo' åttelong" (ulo' means worm and åttelong means black), even suggests that it is a worm. However, take a closer look and you'll see tiny scales covering the blind snake. It also has a forked tongue. Like other snakes, the ulo' åttelong uses its tongue for smelling.
The ulo' åttelong is able to move quickly above ground and seems to almost swim through loose soil. It feeds on ants, termites, worms, and insect larvae. Eyesight is not very useful underground, but the ulo' åttelong is not really blind. It has small, weak eyes that can tell dark from light, but that's about all.
No one knows much about the life and habits of this snake. We do know, however, that it lays eggs in the soil. The eggs look like grains of rice and are left to hatch on their own.
Guam Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy, 9/27/2005
