A tiny snake fossil unearthed from a German quarry has revealed a startling chapter in the history of one of the world’s most famous predators.
Scientists have identified what they believe is the world’s earliest known python, a previously unknown species that slithered through Europe around 47 million years ago.
Named Messelopython freyi, the ancient snake was discovered at Germany’s famous Messel Pit, near Darmstadt. Remarkably, its remains were described as completely preserved, allowing researchers to study the animal in extraordinary detail.
Unlike today’s giant pythons, some of which can grow beyond 20 feet, M. freyi was relatively small, measuring just over three feet long.
The discovery is particularly significant because the evolutionary origins of pythons have remained uncertain. Today, these powerful constrictors are primarily associated with Africa, Asia and Australia.
But 47 million years ago, Europe was apparently home to a surprisingly diverse population of snakes — including an early member of the python lineage.
Researchers say the fossil provides an important clue to how these snakes evolved and spread across the world.
“Our analyses trace their evolutionary history to Europe,” said co-author Dr Hussam Zaher of the University of São Paulo.
The discovery also adds another remarkable chapter to the history of the Messel Pit itself. The site narrowly escaped becoming a landfill in 1991 before being preserved and later designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 because of its exceptional fossils.
Now, a tiny snake from the ancient quarry is helping scientists rewrite the early history of pythons.