Plectrurus perrotetii, commonly known as the Nilgiri burrowing snake or Perrotet's shield-tail snake, is a species of harmless snake in the family Uropeltidae. The species is endemic to India.

Etymology

The specific name, perrotetii or perroteti, is in honour of French naturalist George Samuel Perrottet (1793–1867).

Geographic range

P. perrotetii is found in the Western Ghats and hills of southern India.

Description

P. perrotetii is a small snake, growing to a maximum of 44 cm in total length (including tail). The head is pointed, and the tail is blunt. It has smooth, glossy scales and is brown in colour.

Biology

Like the common worm snake (Ramphotyphlops braminus), Plectrurus perrotetii is also often mistaken for earthworms, upon which it feeds. It is considered an endangered species, and little else is known about this snake.