Scientists have discovered a new species of snake in China with an unusual defense mechanism.

Scientists have discovered in southern China a new species of non-venomous reed snakes, Calamaria incredibilis, that use their tails to mimic a second head. This was reported by Popular Science magazine on May 15.

Researchers first noticed the reptile while studying biodiversity in the Hua Hin National Nature Reserve, located near the border with Vietnam. The snake, about 20 cm long, is mostly nocturnal, has brown scales with seven dark stripes, and feeds on insect larvae and earthworms.

When the reptile senses danger, it raises its tail off the ground and begins to swing it. The similarity is enhanced by the characteristic markings on the scales of the tail, which visually resemble the pattern on the head of a snake. According to scientists, this strategy allows a secretive and non-aggressive animal to mislead predators.

The authors of the study emphasized that the discovery of a new species highlights the underestimated diversity of the reptile family and confirms the region's status as an important hotspot for unique animals.

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News portal Phys.org On May 14, he announced the discovery of a new species of shaggy fish in the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia. According to the publication, the shaggy ghost fish, called Solenostomus snuffleupagus, had a long snout and had a bright orange color. It remained unnoticed for years, as it was mistaken for an already well—known related species, the speckled ghostfish (Solenostomus paegnius).