On the morphology of the blind snake (Xerotyphlops vermicularis (Merrem, 1820)) (Typhlopidae, Reptilia) in Dagestan

The worm-like blind snake – Xerotyphlops vermicularis (Merrem, 1820) has a wide range. The Dagestan population is located at the northern limit of the species' range. This paper provides information on the morphology of the Dagestan population and a comparison of its morphological data with the Turkish and Cypriot populations. A total of 67 sexually mature individuals (14 males and 53 females) were studied. 23 signs were analyzed, of which 19 were linear and 4 were signs of folidosis. The data obtained as a result of the study showed differences between the sexes within the Dagestan population. The values of the characteristics of pholidosis were within the variability of the species. Data obtained from comparing the Dagestan population with the Turkish and Cypriot ones also revealed differences and showed that the Dagestan blind snakes are larger.