New Snake Species and Genus Discovered in Mexico

A snake species so unique it required scientists to create an entirely new category has been discovered living beneath the soil of south-central Mexico.

Researchers from universities in Mexico, the United States, and Argentina identified Yakacoatl tlalli, a nonvenomous underground dweller found only in the Balsas River basin. The snake represents not just a new species but an entirely new genus, a rare scientific discovery that happens when an organism is so distinct it doesn't fit into any existing classification.

Only three specimens have been found so far. Two were discovered dead in Puebla state, and one was photographed alive before being released back into its habitat. The living snake's exact location wasn't reported to protect the species.

The discovery showcases adaptations that help the snake thrive underground. Its skull bones have fused and rearranged for burrowing, and a special shovel-shaped scale on its snout acts like a digging tool through compact soil. Unusually for underground snakes, it has kept relatively large eyes.

Scientists found a scorpion tail inside one specimen, suggesting these snakes hunt subterranean arthropods and soil invertebrates. However, researchers admit there's still much to learn about the species' behavior and diet.

The Ripple Effect

This discovery marks the latest in a remarkable year for Mexican biodiversity. Within the last 10 months alone, the country has documented two new crocodile species off the Yucatán Peninsula, a new firefly species in Mexico City, and a new gecko species spanning Puebla and Oaxaca.

Mexico now boasts between 430 and 440 known snake species, representing roughly 11% of all snake species worldwide. That's more than any other country, even surpassing Brazil's 420 species. Overall, Mexico contains between 6.5% and 12% of all known species on Earth.

The Balsas River basin's unique geography creates perfect conditions for endemic species. Its dry climate, semi-arid vegetation, and surrounding mountains isolate populations, allowing them to evolve into species found nowhere else on the planet.

The collaborative research involved Mexico's National Autonomous University, the Meritorious Autonomous University of Puebla, the University of Texas at Arlington, Argentina's National Scientific and Technical Research Council, and Mexico's Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources.

Every new discovery reminds us how much of our planet remains unexplored, even in well-studied regions.