It is endemic to Madagascar. Its preferred natural habitat is shrubland or forest on sand dunes or with sandy soil, at altitudes up to 50 m.

It lacks cranial infrared receptors in pits or surface indentations. It is thought that this snake once had functional eyes but lost their use over time. It is externally distinguishable from the Typhlopidae by the presence of a greatly enlarged, nearly circular rostral shield and a single enlarged anal shield, which is nearly vertical in lateral view. It does not grow larger than an earthworm and has translucent pink scales. Internally, it is unique in lacking a tracheal lung and possessing an unexpanded tracheal membrane. Like many other snake families, it is assumed to be oviparous. It is completely terrestrial. It spends almost its entire life underground. It is active at night and feeds on invertebrates.