Story perspectives

New 80-Million-Year-Old Burrowing Snake Described from Brazil

7/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Biologist Tiago Simões and his team described the 75-85 million-year-old snake Tametara mirim from Brazil.
The 17-inch (42 cm) fossil preserved about 60 % of the skull and 70 % of the vertebrae.
CT scans of its 20-mm skull showed an enlarged otic capsule, reduced optic lobe and cerebral hemispheres, suggesting a burrowing habit.
Scientists think the snake ate insects, lacked visible teeth, kept robust hind-limbs and is one of four well-preserved Cretaceous snakes.

1 of 1

Story summary

Biologist Tiago Simões and his team described the 75-85 million-year-old snake Tametara mirim from Brazil.
The 17-inch (42 cm) fossil preserved about 60 % of the skull and 70 % of the vertebrae.
CT scans of its 20-mm skull showed an enlarged otic capsule, reduced optic lobe and cerebral hemispheres, suggesting a burrowing habit.
Scientists think the snake ate insects, lacked visible teeth, kept robust hind-limbs and is one of four well-preserved Cretaceous snakes.