What is the main classification of invertebrates that constitutes the primary sustenance for the Western Blind Snake's diet?
Answer
Ants and termites, along with their eggs and larvae
The diet of *R. humilis* is highly specialized and narrow, centered almost entirely on small, soft-bodied invertebrates that reside underground. The primary components of this diet are the social insects found within their nests and galleries. Specifically, the snake feeds heavily on ants and their associated eggs and larvae, as well as termites and their eggs and larvae. This specialization suggests a co-evolutionary relationship, as the snake has developed methods to navigate and consume resources within these chemically defended insect colonies. While spiders and centipedes are also consumed, the social insects form the foundational part of its sustenance.
Related Questions
What unique physical characteristic of *Rena humilis* allows researchers to observe it under specialized gear?What is the primary function of the sharp spine found at the terminus of the Western Blind Snake's tail?How is the geographical distribution of *Rena humilis* restricted specifically within the state of Utah?What characteristic distinguishes the head scale arrangement of *R. humilis* when compared to the similar New Mexico Threadsnake?What specific soil condition is consistently required by *R. humilis* for successful burrowing and foraging?What two primary chemical and physical defensive tactics does *R. humilis* employ when disturbed or captured?What is the main classification of invertebrates that constitutes the primary sustenance for the Western Blind Snake's diet?What are the two native subspecies of the Western Blind Snake identified within the state of California?What depth can *R. humilis* achieve when burrowing beneath the surface during its subterranean existence?What reproductive pattern is observed in some female *R. humilis* regarding the care of their underground clutches?