Barbados Threadsnake

Barbados threadsnake, (Leptotyphlops carlae), tiny burrowing member of the snake family Leptotyphlopidae. Reaching a maximum adult length of only 10.4 cm (4.1 inches) and an average weight of 0.6 g (0.02 ounce), it is thought to be the world’s smallest known snake. Its habitat is most likely limited to the forests of eastern Barbados. The snake was formally described by American biologist S. Blair Hedges in 2008 after he had discovered a living specimen in 2006. In addition, specimens dating to 1889, 1918, and 1963 that had been erroneously classified as other species were subsequently identified in museum collections.

Although little is known about the habits of the Barbados threadsnake, some scientists hypothesize that its small size combined with its fossorial (burrowing) lifestyle probably compels it to feed on insect larvae, especially those of ants and termites, found in the soil. Female members of the species are egg layers that produce a single large elongated egg. Hatchlings are approximately one-half the size of a full-sized adult.

Barbados is a densely populated island nearly devoid of primary forests (pristine old-growth woodlands). Some scientists estimate that the Barbados threadsnake may be limited to only a few square kilometres of secondary forest (regrowth). At present, the forests of eastern Barbados span approximately 2 percent of their original extent; much of the island was converted to agriculture for sugarcane production after it was first colonized by the English in the early 17th century. Other scientists also worry that the flowerpot blindsnake (Ramphotyphlops braminus), an invasive species from Southeast Asia that was later introduced to Australia, could compete with the Barbados threadsnake for food and further reduce the long-term survival chances of the species.