Description of a papillate tactile organ in the Typhlopidae

Abstract

In a unique specimen of Rhinotyphlops, the rostrum supports approximately 250 elongate, flexible papillae. Each papilla consists of a tubular shaft and an expanded hair-like bulb weakly embedded in the epidermis. Immediately deep to the base of each papilla is a small cluster of neuronal cells and a vascular supply. Although this Rhinotyphlops is presumed to be fossorial, the morphology of these soft papilla suggest they function as mechanoreceptors.