What defensive mechanism is suggested by the snake's resemblance to a grub or ant larva?
Answer
Batesian mimicry
The physical resemblance of the Western Blind Snake to an earthworm or an ant larva is hypothesized to function as Batesian mimicry. This is a protective strategy where a harmless, palatable species evolves to resemble a species that is distasteful or dangerous to potential predators, such as visually hunting birds. A predator looking for a non-threatening, low-value food item like a grub might mistake the snake for that item and ignore it, thus affording the snake protection without possessing actual defenses like venom.
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