# Anomochilus

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**Anomochilidae** is a [family](/source/Family_(taxonomy)) of snakes with one [genus](/source/Genus), ***Anomochilus***, containing three [species](/source/Species) of snake. Members of the genus are known as **anomochilids**, or by the [common names](/source/Common_name) **dwarf pipesnakes**, **lesser pipesnakes**, and **giant blind snakes**.[2][3] Initially created as *Anomalochilus* in 1890 for the species *[A. weberi](/source/Anomochilus_weberi)*, the genus was renamed in 1901 because the original name was already [in use](/source/Preoccupied) for a genus of beetles. Dwarf pipesnakes are small and cylindrical, with short, conical tails and small, rounded heads that are continuous with the neck. They have blackish to purplish-brown uppersides and dark brown or black undersides, with orange-red bands around the tail and a variety of pale markings on the snout and belly. All three species of dwarf pipesnake are [endemic](/source/Endemic) to [Sundaland](/source/Sundaland), where they are found on the [Malay Peninsula](/source/Malay_Peninsula) and the islands of [Sumatra](/source/Sumatra) and Borneo.

Adapted to living underground, dwarf pipesnakes inhabit leaf litter in lowland and [montane rainforests](/source/Montane_rainforest) at elevations of 220–1513 m ft. They are poorly studied and little is known about their diets and reproductive habits. They probably feed on earthworms, snakes, and [legless lizards](/source/Legless_lizards), and uniquely within their superfamily, lay eggs to give birth. Two species of dwarf pipesnake, *A. weberi* and *[monticola](/source/Anomochilus_monticola)*, are classified as being [Data Deficient](/source/Data_Deficient) by the [IUCN](/source/IUCN), while the third species, *[A. leonardi](/source/Anomochilus_leonardi)*, is classified as being of [Least Concern](/source/Least_Concern).

## Taxonomy and systematics

The genus *Anomochilus*[a] was erected by the Dutch herpetologist [Theodorus Willem van Lidth de Jeude](/source/Theodorus_Willem_van_Lidth_de_Jeude) in 1890 as *Anomalochilus* for the species *Anomalochilus weberi*, which he [described](/source/Species_description) on the basis of a female specimen from Sumatra.[4] In 1901, the naturalist [Charles Berg](/source/Carlos_Berg) renamed the genus to *Anomochilus*, as the name *Anomalochilus* was already [in use](/source/Homonym_(biology)) for a genus of beetles.[5] A second species of the genus, *[A. leonardi](/source/Anomochilus_leonardi)*, was described by the British herpetologist [Malcolm Arthur Smith](/source/Malcolm_Arthur_Smith) in 1940 from two specimens collected in [Pahang, Malaysia](/source/Pahang,_Malaysia).[6] The third species in the genus, *[A. monticola](/source/Anomochilus_monticola)*, was described by the Indian herpetologist [Indraneil Das](https://species.wikimedia.org/wiki/Indraneil_Das) and colleagues in 2008, based on specimens collected from [Mount Kinabalu](/source/Mount_Kinabalu) on [Borneo](/source/Borneo).[7]

*Anomochilus* was initially described in the [family](/source/Family_(taxonomy)) "Tortriciidae",[b] which was later [synonymized](/source/Synonym_(taxonomy)) with the family [Cylindrophiidae](/source/Cylindrophiidae). Subsequently, it was moved to [Aniliidae](/source/Aniliidae), before being placed in [Uropeltidae](/source/Uropeltidae) by the American herpetologist [Samuel Booker McDowell Jr.](/source/Samuel_Booker_McDowell_Jr.) in 1975.[8] In 1993, the American herpetologist [David Cundall](https://species.wikimedia.org/wiki/David_Cundall) and colleagues split the Uropeltidae into three families, reinstating Cylindrophiidae and moving *Anomochilus* into its own [monogeneric](/source/Monogeneric) family, Anomochilidae.[9] Subsequent genetic studies have shown that Cylindrophiidae is likely [paraphyletic](/source/Paraphyletic) (not containing all the descendants of a common ancestor) with respect to Anomochilidae,[10] and a 2022 study recommended placing *Anomochilus* back in the former family.[11]

*Anomochilus* contains three species of pipesnake. All three species are known to live on the island of Borneo, which is presumed to be the [center of diversification](/source/Center_of_diversification) for the genus.[11] The genus is closely related to the family Cylindrophiidae, which it is sometimes placed in, and these two form a [clade](/source/Clade) most closely related to the Uropeltidae. The following [cladogram](/source/Cladogram) shows [phylogenetic](/source/Phylogenetics) relationships of Anomochiliidae with other families, based on the 2022 study:[11]

## Description

Dwarf pipesnakes are small and cylindrical snakes, with a small, rounded head and short, conical tail.[3] The head is continuous with the neck and, despite the [fossorial](/source/Fossorial) nature of the species, the snout has no reinforcements to aid in burrowing.[2] The uppersides are usually uniform blackish to purplish-brown and the undersides are dark brown or black, the latter frequently being marked by yellow or white blotches. The [snout](/source/Snout) has yellow markings and the tail is bounded by an orange or red band.[2][3]

They can be differentiated from other snakes outside of the genus by their small head and eyes, the large scales on the forehead, a single [nasal scale](/source/Nasal_scale) bordering the second [supralabial scale](/source/Supralabial_scale), the absence of the [loreal](/source/Loreal_scale) and [preocular scales](/source/Preocular_scales), a lone [postocular scale](/source/Postocular_scale), and the lack of a [mental groove](/source/Mental_groove).[7] Additionally, the dentition of dwarf pipesnakes is unique among snakes: members of the family have no teeth on the [pterygoid](/source/Pterygoid_bone) and [palatine bones](/source/Palatine_bone), and only four diagonally oriented [maxillary teeth](/source/Maxillary_teeth).[2]

Based on Das and colleagues (2008)[7] and Das (2010).[3]

Conventions: SVL=[Snout–vent length](/source/Snout%E2%80%93vent_length), TL=Total length

Image Scientific and common name Length Coloration Scalation A. leonardi (Malayan giant blind snake or Leonard's dwarf pipesnake) 228 mm (9.0 in) (TL) no pale stripes along sides; large pale spots along the vertebral column; glossy black to purplish-brown upperside; black belly and red subcaudal scales 214–252 ventral scales; single, unpaired parietofrontal scale A. monticola (Kinabalu giant blind snake or Mount Kinabalu dwarf pipesnake) 507–509 mm in (SVL), 521.2 mm (20.52 in) (TL) no pale stripes along sides or spots along the vertebral column; solitary pale yellow scales along sides; glossy blue-black upperside; dark brown belly 258–261 ventral scales; single, unpaired parietofrontal scale A. weberi (Sumatran giant blind snake or Weber's dwarf pipesnake) 228 mm (9.0 in) (TL) pale stripes along sides with large pale spots along the vertebral column; black uppersides and belly 242–248 ventral scales; paired parietofrontal scale

## Distribution and habitat

All three species of dwarf pipesnake are [endemic](/source/Endemic) to [Sundaland](/source/Sundaland), where they are found on the [Malay Peninsula](/source/Malay_Peninsula) and the islands of [Sumatra](/source/Sumatra) and Borneo.[7] *A. leonardi* inhabits the Malay Peninsula and [Sabah](/source/Sabah) in [Malaysian Borneo](/source/Malaysian_Borneo), while *A. weberi* is found on Sumatra and [Kalimantan](/source/Kalimantan) on Borneo. *A. monticola* is currently known only from Kinabalu Park in Sabah.[3] Dwarf pipesnakes are fossorial and inhabit [leaf litter](/source/Leaf_litter) in lowland and [montane rainforests](/source/Montane_rainforest), frequently near creeks.[2] *A. leonardi* inhabits plains and low hill forest at elevations of 220–500 m ft, *A. monticola* inhabits montane forest at elevations of 1450–1513 m ft, and *A. weberi* inhabits montane forest at elevations of 300–1000 m ft.[3][12][13][14]

## Ecology and behaviour

Dwarf pipesnakes are fossorial (adapted to living underground). Their ecology is poorly studied and little is known about their diets and reproductive habits.[3] Their small mouths, truncated [quadrate bones](/source/Quadrate_bone) (the length of which allows other snakes to swallow large prey), and lack of the mental groove (which enables other species to expand their lower jaw) suggests that their diet consists of elongate [invertebrates](/source/Invertebrates) like earthworms and perhaps also of small, slim vertebrates like snakes and [legless lizards](/source/Legless_lizards).[2] *A. weberi* is known to lay [clutches](/source/Clutch_(eggs)) of four eggs, but reproduction in the other species is undescribed.[3] Dwarf pipesnakes are the only uropeltoids that lay eggs; all other uropeltoids give birth to [live young](/source/Live_young).[2]

## Status

Two species of dwarf pipesnake, *A. weberi* and *monticola*, are classified as being [Data Deficient](/source/Data_Deficient) by the [IUCN](/source/IUCN), while the third species, *A. leonardi*, is classified as being of [Least Concern](/source/Least_Concern). All three species are known from a very small number of specimens and consequently do not have population estimates or well-defined ranges. *A. monticola* and *leonardi* are known from the protected areas of [Kinabalu Park](/source/Kinabalu_Park) and [Taman Negara](/source/Taman_Negara), respectively. Little is known about threats facing the genus, although *A. weberi* is thought to be threatened by [habitat loss](/source/Habitat_loss) caused by logging and urbanisation.[12][13][14]

## Notes

1. From the [Ancient Greek](/source/Ancient_Greek) words meaning "abnormal lip".[5]

1. The name [Tortricidae](/source/Tortricidae) is currently used to refer to a family of moths.[15]

## References

1. ["*Anomochilus weberi* (LIDTH DE JEUDE, 1890)"](https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Anomochilus&species=weberi). *The Reptile Database*. Retrieved 18 September 2023.

1. O'Shea, Mark (2023). [*Snakes of the World: A Guide to Every Family*](https://books.google.com/books?id=biaIEAAAQBAJ&dq=Anomochilus+monticola&pg=PA92). [Princeton](/source/Princeton,_Massachusetts): [Princeton University Press](/source/Princeton_University_Press). pp. 91–93. ISBN 978-0-691-24067-1. [OCLC 1356003917](https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1356003917)

1. Das, Indraneil (2010). [*Field Guide to the Reptiles of South-East Asia*](https://books.google.com/books?id=LRRpBwAAQBAJ&dq=Anomochilus+monticola&pg=PA257). London: [New Holland Publishers](/source/New_Holland_Publishers). p. 257. ISBN 978-1-4729-2057-7. [OCLC 455823617](https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/455823617)

1. van Lidth de Jeude, Theodorus Willem & Universiteit van Amsterdam. (1890). ["Reptilia from the Malay Archipelago. II. Ophidia"](https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/184538#page/238/mode/1up). *Zoologische Ergebnisse einer reise in Niederländisch Ost-Indien*. Vol. 1. Weber, Max (ed.). Leiden: E.J. Brill. pp. 180–181. [doi:10.5962/bhl.title.52289](https://doi.org/10.5962/bhl.title.52289). [S2CID 86156252](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:86156252)

1. Berg, Charles (1901). ["Herpetological notes"](https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/42968#page/301/mode/1up). *Comunicaciones del Museo Nacional de Buenos Aires*. **1**: 289. [OCLC 8651583](https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/8651583)

1. Smith, Malcolm A. (1940). ["XLVII.— A new Snake of the Genus Anomochilus from the, Malay Peninsula"](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03745481.1940.9723701). *Annals and Magazine of Natural History*. **6** (35): 447–449. [doi:10.1080/03745481.1940.9723701](https://doi.org/10.1080/03745481.1940.9723701). [ISSN 0374-5481](https://www.worldcat.org/issn/0374-5481)

1. Das, Indraneil; Lakim, Maklarin; Lim, Kelvin K. P.; Hui, Tan Heok (2008). ["New Species of *Anomochilus* from Borneo (Squamata: Anomochilidae)"](https://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/3371/1/Lakim,%20M..pdf). *Journal of Herpetology*. **42** (3): 584–591. [doi:10.1670/07-154.1](https://doi.org/10.1670/07-154.1). [ISSN 0022-1511](https://www.worldcat.org/issn/0022-1511). [S2CID 85684485](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:85684485)

1. McDowell, S. B. (1975-02-24). "A Catalogue of the Snakes of New Guinea and the Solomons, with Special Reference to Those in the Bernice P. Bishop Museum. Part II. Anilioidea and Pythoninae". *Journal of Herpetology*. **9** (1): 1–79. [doi:10.2307/1562691](https://doi.org/10.2307/1562691). [JSTOR 1562691](https://www.jstor.org/stable/1562691)

1. Cundall, David; Wallach, V.; Rossman, Douglas A. (1993). ["The systematic relationships of the snake genus Anomochilus"](https://academic.oup.com/zoolinnean/article-lookup/doi/10.1111/j.1096-3642.1993.tb02536.x). *Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society*. **109** (3): 275–299. [doi:10.1111/j.1096-3642.1993.tb02536.x](https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1096-3642.1993.tb02536.x)

1. Gower, D. J.; Vidal, N.; Spinks, J. N.; McCarthy, C. J. (2005). ["The phylogenetic position of Anomochilidae (Reptilia: Serpentes): first evidence from DNA sequences"](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1439-0469.2005.00315.x). *Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research*. **43** (4): 315–320. [doi:10.1111/j.1439-0469.2005.00315.x](https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0469.2005.00315.x). [ISSN 0947-5745](https://www.worldcat.org/issn/0947-5745)

1. Li, Peng & Wiens, John J. (2022). ["What drives diversification? Range expansion tops climate, life history, habitat and size in lizards and snakes"](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jbi.14304). *Journal of Biogeography*. **49** (2): 237–247. [Bibcode:2022JBiog..49..237L](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2022JBiog..49..237L). [doi:10.1111/jbi.14304](https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.14304). [ISSN 0305-0270](https://www.worldcat.org/issn/0305-0270). [S2CID 245849898](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:245849898)

1. Iskandar, D.; Jenkins, H.; Das, I.; Auliya, M.; Inger, R.F.; Lilley, R. (2012). "*Anomochilus monticola*". Vol. 2012. [doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T191983A2023863.en](https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T191983A2023863.en). Retrieved 2023-06-27.

1. Das, I. (2012). "*Anomochilus weberi*". Vol. 2012. [doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T192155A2048153.en](https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T192155A2048153.en). Retrieved 2023-06-27.

1. Grismer, L. (2012). "*Anomochilus leonardi*". Vol. 2012. [doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T1555A727213.en](https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T1555A727213.en). Retrieved 2023-06-27.

1. Hancock, Edward F. & Bland, Keith P. (2014). *The Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland: Tortricinae and Chlidanotinae*. [Leiden](/source/Leiden): Brill. ISBN 978-90-04-25211-0.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Anomochilus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anomochilus) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anomochilus?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.