We recently received a photo and question from a reader. She found a creature near her flowerbeds that she thinks might be a slug or leech, and is curious if it could be harmful. The photo shows a small worm-like organism that is shiny black and doesn’t have any appendages or antenna.

We believe our reader has either come across a Brahminy Blind Snake or a leech.

Brahminy Blind Snakes are usually found in Southeast Asia, but are also sometimes found in Mexico and the Southern United States. Brahminy blind snakes eat ants and termites and can grow up to 6 inches. These snakes are not venomous and not harmful to humans, so our reader should not worry!

Leehes are often live in aquatic areas, but there are several terrestrial species as well. Leeches are only harmful to humans when they latch on to a human and if they are carrying some type of parasite. As long as our reader doesn’t find a leech physically attached to her she shouldn’t worry.

In conclusion, our reader found either a brahminy blind snake or a leech in her flowerbeds.

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