[2] Xenotyphlops is an ancient group that diverged from other blind snakes during the Cretaceous, following the separation of Madagascar from India.

Xenotyphlops, Madatyphlops, and the Madagascan big-headed turtle are the only Malagasy terrestrial vertebrates whose isolation on Madagascar is due to Gondwanan vicariance.

Xenotyphlops burrow in the softer sandy soil of Madagascar's coastline forest and shrubland.

[2] According to the IUCN Red List, X. grandidieri are considered to be critically endangered and X. mocquardi are data deficient.

[6] The two biggest threats to these species are Energy production (via mining/quarrying) and biological resource use (via logging and unintentional effects).