A rare discovery was made when the remains of an undiscovered snake species were found inside the belly of another snake. The new species is said to be from western Chipas, Mexico.
The Central American coral snake (Micrurus nigrocinctus) is known for its cannibalistic habits, so feeding on small serpents is not unusual for it, however, this particular prey certainly was. Officially named the Cenaspis aenigma, or “mysterious dinner snake”, the never-before-seen snake has incited mass curiosity.
Hot off the press from @JofHerp! Campbell, Smith, and Hall (@allopatry) just described a new colubroid unlike any other. It came out of a coralsnake’s stomach in Chiapas, Mexico. They named it Cenaspis (“dinner snake”) aenigma (“riddle” or “mystery). #HerpSci #JHerp #Dipsadidae pic.twitter.com/NmUCW0lzSw
— SSAR (@ssarherps) December 10, 2018
The Cenaspis aenigma is unlike any of its serpent relatives, with the covering of its reproductive anatomy, the shape of its skull and the scales found under its tail being vastly different to any other snake species. Scientists also believe it is a burrowing snake and that this is indicated by its skeleton and teeth. It is thought that it lives off insects and amphibians. Unfortunately, there is no record of this snake ever having been seen alive.
Image: Pixabay
