What is the current accepted genus name for the Western Blind Snake, *humilis*?
Answer
Rena
The current scientific consensus places the Western Blind Snake in the Genus *Rena*. This genus designation reflects modern phylogenetic analysis, which determined that the New World species previously grouped under *Leptotyphlops* needed separation into their own distinct lineage. The binomial nomenclature *Rena humilis* is the accepted designation, distinguishing it from Old World threadsnakes which might still be classified under *Leptotyphlops*. This change signifies a refinement in understanding its specific evolutionary branch within the broader group of threadsnakes.
Related Questions
What is the current accepted genus name for the Western Blind Snake, *humilis*?What key feature separates snakes in the Family Leptotyphlopidae from other snakes?What meaning is associated with the specific epithet *humilis* used for *Rena humilis*?What structure must an organism possess during some life cycle stage to qualify for Phylum Chordata?Besides overlapping keratinous scales, what structural characteristic defines the Order Squamata?What primarily prompted the change in genus classification from *Leptotyphlops* to *Rena*?What common ecological role explains the reduced eyes and tapered snout of *Rena humilis*?In the Linnaean hierarchy, where is *Rena humilis* placed relative to turtles and crocodilians?What historical name synonym for the Western Blind Snake is found in older scientific literature?Which two key features, besides being multicellular and eukaryotic, define placement in Kingdom Animalia?