Fun Barbados Threadsnake Facts For Kids
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The Barbados Threadsnake (Tetracheilostoma carlae) is the world’s smallest snake species. It is also known as Leptotyphlops carlae. They are found on some of the islands of the Caribbean.
This is a newly discovered species and very little knowledge has been obtained about their lifestyle and habitat. This new species was discovered by Blair Hedges, a herpetologist from Penn State University.
They were named by Blair Hedges in memory of his wife Carla Ann Hass. This Barbadian species is so small that it can rest very comfortably on a U.S. quarter. The Barbados Threadsnake is a blind species of snake where hatchlings are half the size of the adult snake.
Here are some of the most interesting facts about the smallest known snake species in the world. Afterward, do check out our other articles on the dugite and western ribbon snake.
Barbados Threadsnake Interesting Facts
What type of animal is a Barbados Threadsnake?
The Barbados Threadsnake (Leptotyphlops carlae) is a new species of snake discovered by Blair Hedges of Penn State.
What class of animal does a Barbados Threadsnake belong to?
The Barbados Threadsnake belongs to the reptile class of animals. It comes from the Leptotyphlopidae family.
How many Barbados Threadsnakes are there in the world?
The total population of the new species of Barbados Threadsnake (Leptotyphlops carlae) in the world is currently unknown. This species is limited to the Caribbean islands and is very few.
Where does a Barbados Threadsnake live?
A Barbados Threadsnake lives in the woods. This new species was found in the forests of the Caribbean islands by Blair Hedges of Penn State which is now only 2% of what it used to be.
What is a Barbados Threadsnake's habitat?
A Barbados Threadsnake is found on a few selected islands of the Caribbean. They live on the ground in the forest. They burrow themselves in the grounds just like earthworms. They only come out of their holes when they are flooded or they need to hunt. This new species has a very similar habitat to that of worms.
Who does Barbados Threadsnakes live with?
The Barbados Threadsnake (Leptotyphlops carlae) lives with snakes of their species. Other animals are using the same habitat as them. So one can say they coexist with other small animals as well.
How long does a Barbados Threadsnake live?
The Barbados Threadsnake species was discovered only a few years ago. Not much study has been conducted due to their limited population and restricted habitats. Hence, no information is available on the lifespan of a Barbados Threadsnake.
How do they reproduce?
Very little knowledge has been acquired about reproduction in this species. It is believed that this snake breed reproduces in the same manner as other subspecies of snakes.
These are oviparous animals that lay eggs to reproduce. The females of Barbados Threadsnake lay only one egg at a time. The hatchling is around half the size of the adult parents.
What is their conservation status?
The conservation status of a Barbados Threadsnake is Critically Endangered and concerted efforts for their conservation are required.
Barbados Threadsnake Fun Facts
What does Barbados Threadsnakes look like?
Barbados Threadsnakes are very tiny snakes. These tiny snakes are only as wide as spaghetti. A layperson might misunderstand them for worms. The Barbados Threadsnake is brown. They have a tapering tail. Blair Hedges said that these snakes have pretty narrow mouths.
How cute are they?
The Barbados Threadsnake is extremely cute. They are tiny and worm-like species. Though, people who have a phobia of worms will not find them appealing.
How do they communicate?
Like many other reptiles, these snakes produce pheromones as a means of communication. Pheromones are chemical signals left by animals on soil, water, and air. The Barbados Threadsnake can thus capture and perceive data about its surroundings.
How big is a Barbados Threadsnake?
The Barbados Threadsnake is the smallest of the known snakes. It is around 2-10 in (5.1-25.4 cm) in terms of length with very little height of 0.1-0.3 in (0.3-0.8 cm). This snake can grow up to twice the length of a caterpillar.
How fast can a Barbados Threadsnake move?
The Barbados Threadsnake crawls and can move very fast. No accurate speed has been determined for the Barbados Threadsnake because very little research has been conducted on them.
How much does a Barbados Threadsnake weigh?
The Barbados Threadsnake is very lightweight. Their small size results in their little body weight which is around 0.02 oz (0.6 g).
What are the male and female names of the species?
No specific names are assigned to the males and females of the Leptotyphlops carlae species. They are known as males and females respectively.
What would you call a baby Barbados Threadsnake?
A baby Barbados Threadsnake is called a hatchling. It is also called a snakelet.
What do they eat?
The Leptotyphlops carlae have a very limited diet. Their mouth is very narrow and hence they are not able to eat anything bigger than termites and ant larvae.
Are they poisonous?
No, the Barbados Threadsnake is not poisonous. They can in no way hurt bigger creatures.
Would they make a good pet?
The Barbados Threadsnake is very tiny in size. They are adapted to the habitats of the Caribbean islands. Taking care of them would be a huge and difficult task. Hence, a Barbados Threadsnake pet is not a good idea.
Did you know...
An egg of a Barbados Threadsnake is only a few millimeters.
A Barbados Threadsnake price in the black market is very high.
Keeping Barbados Threadsnakes
The Barbados Threadsnake is a protected species of snake. Having them as a pet is not legal. But that does not stop collectors from obtaining one. The sale of Barbados Threadsnake even though it is legally prohibited, is available in the black markets.
Is the Barbados Threadsnake the world's smallest snake?
The Barbados Threadsnake is the world's smallest snake. The babies of the Barbados Threadsnake are half the length of the mother in small species and one-tenth the length of the mother in large species.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other reptiles from our coral snake fun facts, and rattlesnake facts pages.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring on one of our Threadsnake coloring pages.
Barbados Threadsnake Facts
What Did They Prey On?
Termites, ant larvaeWhat Type of Animal were they?
CarnivoreAverage Litter Size?
1 eggHow Much Did They Weigh?
Up to 0.02 oz (0.6 g)What habitat Do they Live In?
forestsWhere Do They Live?
caribbean island of barbados, antigua, barbudaHow Long Were They?
2-10 in (5.1-25.4 cm)How Tall Were They?
0.1-0.3 in (0.3-0.8 cm)Class
ReptiliaGenus
TetracheilostomaFamily
LeptotyphlopidaeScientific Name
Tetracheilostoma carlae (Leptotyphlops carlae)What Do They Look Like?
Brown colorSkin Type
ScalesWhat Are Their Main Threats?
habitat lossWhat is their Conservation Status?
Critically Endangered
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