Blind snakes are a group of non-venomous snakes that have very small or no eyes at all. They are also known as scolecophidian snakes, typhlopoids, or worm snakes. They are adapted to living underground, where they feed on ants, termites, and other soft-bodied invertebrates. Blind snakes are found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, except for Antarctica. Some species have been accidentally introduced to other areas through human activities.

Blind snakes are usually small and slender, ranging from 10 to 40 cm (4 to 16 inches) in length. They have cylindrical bodies, blunt heads, and short tails. Their scales are smooth and shiny, and their coloration varies from gray, brown, black, purple, to yellow. Blind snakes have no external ears, and their eyes are covered by opaque scales. They rely on their sense of smell and touch to navigate and find food.

Blind snakes have a unique feature on their tails: a horned scale that they use for defense, digging, or anchoring themselves in the soil. They also have teeth that are specialized for piercing the eggs and larvae of ants and termites. Blind snakes are harmless to humans and rarely bite unless provoked.

Blind snakes belong to three families: Anomalepidae (early blind snakes), Leptotyphlopidae (threadsnakes and wormsnakes), and Typhlopidae (true blind snakes). Together, they comprise over 200 species in 18 genera. The early blind snakes are the most primitive group, with only 15 species in four genera. They are restricted to Central and South America. The threadsnakes and wormsnakes are more diverse and widespread, with about 90 species in two genera. They occur in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The true blind snakes are the most diverse and cosmopolitan group, with over 200 species in six genera. They occur naturally throughout the tropics, but one species, the flowerpot snake (Indotyphlops braminus), has been introduced to many other regions through the soil of potted plants. The flowerpot snake is also the only parthenogenetic snake species, meaning that it can reproduce without mating.

Blind snakes are fossorial animals, meaning that they spend most of their lives underground. They burrow through loose soil or use existing tunnels made by ants or termites. They prefer moist and warm habitats, such as forests, grasslands, savannas, deserts, and agricultural fields. They are rarely seen on the surface, except at night or after heavy rains.

Blind snakes are solitary and secretive animals. They communicate with each other through chemical signals or vibrations. They are active throughout the year in tropical regions, but may hibernate or aestivate in colder or drier climates. They are oviparous (egg-laying) animals, and usually lay a few eggs in moist soil or leaf litter. The eggs hatch after a few weeks or months, depending on the species and environmental conditions.

Blind snakes are not well-studied by scientists due to their cryptic lifestyle and small size. However, some species may be threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation, degradation, pollution, invasive species, or collection for the pet trade. Blind snakes are also important components of the soil ecosystem, as they help control pest populations and recycle nutrients. Therefore, conserving blind snakes is beneficial for both biodiversity and human well-being.