The Smallest Snake In The World

GEOGRAPHY

The world’s tiniest snake is the Barbados threadsnake (Leptotyphlops carlae).

The smallest snake species is the Barbados threadsnake, officially known as Tetracheilostoma carlae. It is a member of the Leptotyphlopidae family. The little snake, found in 2008, weighs 0.02 ounces on average and measures 3.94 inches in length, with the largest specimen yet described reaching 4.09 inches. The little snake resembles a glossy earthworm and is gray, pink, or mauve in color. The snake is claimed to be as wide as a spaghetti noodle and may be mistaken for a worm.

Habitat and Range

The snake is thought to live in the Caribbean island of Barbados, most likely in the eastern forests. According to reports, the snake species can also be found on the Antigua and Barbuda islands. The first specimen was discovered in Barbados’ woods under rocks. Their home range is limited to a few kilometers of secondary woods.

Reproduction

This snake is oviparous, meaning it deposits eggs to reproduce. Females lay only one egg at a time, and when it hatches, a small youngster about half the mother’s length emerges. All little snake species have kids that are exceptionally large in relation to the adults. Children of large snakes are around one-tenth the size of their parents, but children of small snakes, such as Barbados threadsnakes, are roughly one-half the size of their parents. The eggs laid by small snakes are also huge in comparison to the parent’s size. A little egg the size and form of a long grain of rice is laid by the Barbados threadsnake. Other snakes lay eggs that are more spherical.

Diet

Although little is known about the Barbados threadsnake, it is thought to feed mostly on soil-borne ants, termites, and other insect larvae. This eating behavior is a byproduct of its burrowing behavior.

Conservation

Little is known about this snake’s distribution, abundance, or ecology. Experts worry they are endangered, if not extinct, because most of Barbados’ original forest has been destroyed. Because much of the forest in Barbados’ eastern half has been converted to farming, it only accounts for 2% of the original cover. These species are considered to need forest environments to live. The IUCN red list classifies the species as severely endangered.

What is the Smallest Snake in the World?

The Barbados threadsnake, technically known as Tetracheilostoma carlae, is the smallest snake species. It belongs to the Leptotyphlopidae family. The little snake, found in 2008, weighs 0.02 ounces on average and measures 3.94 inches in length, with the largest specimen yet described reaching 4.09 inches.