The University of Malta’s Conservation Biology Research Group in collaboration with the NGO BICREF have reported presence of the Brahminy blindsnake, Indotyphlops braminus, an invasive and alien species to the Maltese Islands. But it might no longer remain alien…

“This species, native to Indo-Malayan region, has over the years broadened its distribution through anthropogenic international transportation of goods,” the publication read. “Its unique parthenogenic reproductive strategy increases its potential for fast population expansion, becoming invasive.”

“This small burrowing non-venomous snake rarely comes to the surface, and the habitat it lives in allows easy undetected transportation of specimens between different locations mostly between areas associated with plant nurseries, golf courses, compost deposits, agricultural farms and gardens including domestic gardens, botanical gardens and parks,” the study notes.

Despite its sneaky nature, this species isn’t venomous and doesn’t pose a threat to humans. Don’t bug it, and it won’t bug you!