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14 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 18 OCTOBER 2026 NEWS Malta's tiniest snake has been hiding in plain sight IT is one of Malta's smallest snakes, more akin to a worm, but the Brahminy blind snake has been quietly making its pres- ence felt, often without anyone noticing. Known in Maltese as the Serp Ħanex, the tiny reptile spends much of its life hidden beneath soil, stones and decaying veg- etation. Its elusive nature has allowed it to go largely unseen and unknown, even as its distri- bution across Malta, Gozo and Comino has expanded. Now, a new scientific study has documented 65 individuals across 34 locations, offering the clearest indication yet of how widespread the non-native spe- cies has become in the Maltese archipelago. The research, conducted by Arnold Sciberras, Alan Deidun, Mario Lo Valvo and Francesco Paolo Faraone, brings togeth- er almost a decade of observa- tions, field investigations and contributions from members of the public. It was presented at the 16th National Congress of the Soci- etas Herpetologica Italica, held in L'Aquila, Italy, between 15 and 18 September 2026. A snake small enough to escape notice The Brahminy blind snake (Indotyphlops braminus) is native to the Indo-Malayan re- gion and is adapted to a large- ly underground existence. Its small size, secretive behaviour and preference for concealed microhabitats make it easy to overlook. Unlike many reptiles, the fe- male-only species reproduc- es through parthenogenesis, a process in which females pro- duce offspring without fertil- isation by males. This means a single individual can potentially establish a new population after being accidentally transported to an unfamiliar location. The species has spread in- ternationally, largely through the movement of ornamental plants, nursery stock and soil. Although its first official re- port in Malta came in 2020, the latest investigation incorpo- rates observations dating back to 2017, suggesting that the snake had been present for sev- eral years before its arrival was formally documented. Between 2017 and 2026, re- searchers compiled 47 records involving 65 individuals from 34 locations: 31 in Malta, two in Gozo and one in Comino. The findings suggest the tiny reptile is considerably more widespread than previously recognised. From plant nurseries to natural habitats Most sightings came from en- vironments closely associated with human activity, including plant nurseries, garden centres, greenhouses, agricultural land, public gardens, private proper- ties and urban areas. This pattern supports the theory that the snake has been transported between loca- tions through human activity, particularly the movement of plants and soil. Rather than spreading sole- ly through natural movement, the species may have reached different parts of the islands through multiple accidental in- troductions. However, the researchers also recorded specimens in less dis- turbed environments, includ- ing eucalyptus plantations and garigue habitats. Some were found in relatively moist mi- crohabitats within otherwise dry landscapes. These observations raise questions about whether the Brahminy blind snake is begin- ning to establish itself beyond places directly associated with human activity. The distinction is important according to the researchers as finding an introduced species at a location does not, by itself, establish that it has formed a stable, reproducing population there. Further research will be needed to determine whether the Maltese records represent isolated introductions, estab- lished populations or a combi- nation of both. What does its presence mean for Malta's biodiversity? The ecological consequences of the snake's presence in Mal- ta remain insufficiently under- stood. While the study provides im- portant information about its distribution and habitat pref- erences, further investigation is needed to establish how suc- cessfully it is reproducing, how it moves between habitats and whether it has any measurable effects on native biodiversity. The findings also highlight a broader challenge for island ecosystems, where the inter- national movement of plants, soil and other materials can unintentionally introduce spe- cies that might otherwise never reach them. Three more research projects under way For naturalist and research- er Arnold Sciberras, the latest study is part of a wider effort to understand the species and its spread. The research team has con- firmed three additional projects involving the Brahminy blind snake are under way. Further observations and specimens are expected to help clarify its biology, distribution and estab- lishment across the Maltese is- lands. Members of the public are be- ing encouraged to report sight- ings, ideally providing photo- graphs and precise location details. Reports can be submitted by calling 99887950 or 99113445, or by contacting the researchers through private messages. KARL AZZOPARDI kazzopardi@mediatoday.com.mt It may look more like a worm than a reptile, but under Malta's feet a new snake species is slithering its way across the islands