Researchers have discovered the world’s smallest snake, which was thought to be extinct
On the island of Barbados, researchers discovered a thread-like snake – a representative of a species that is considered the smallest among snakes in the world. During the last 20 years, scientists believed that these reptiles had completely disappeared, informs Associated Press.
The find was made during the spring expedition of 2025. Scientist Connor Blades, project manager for the Barbados Ministry of the Environment, picked up a rock and noticed a tiny worm-like snake underneath. He placed it in a small glass container, along with soil and dry leaves, and then took it to the laboratory for closer examination under a microscope. Although the animal was constantly moving, he managed to see the characteristic features.
There were pale yellow stripes on the back, a characteristic characteristic of the Barbadian thread snake. She also had eyes located on the sides of her head and scales on her nose. These features allowed Blaydes to determine with certainty that it was precisely this, until recently extinct, species.
At the same time, researchers are concerned that due to deforestation in Barbados, the range of this snake may decrease. The Barbados thread snake is not a threat: it is blind, non-venomous, lives underground, feeds on ants and termites, lays one egg and grows up to 10 cm in length.
For a long time, scientists mistakenly classified it as a different species. Only in 2008, Temple University professor S. Blair Hedges made the identification by examining museum specimens. In his scientific publication, he described the snake as Tetracheilostoma carlae — after his wife Carla.
