As reported in January's 2021 journal 'Scientific Reports', scientists believe they may have discovered the smallest reptile on earth - a chameleon subspecies that is the size of a seed.

It's known as 'Brookesia nana', or "nano-chameleon," and it's a blotchy brown lizard that usually doesn't surpass an inch (25mm) in body length. The researchers who discovered it are still stumped as to why it stays so small when most vertebrates grow in size as they mature.

It is different from any other vertebrate and other chameleon species. It can't change color, and it's more comfortable on the forest floor than on the trees.

Most male reptiles are larger than females, but the reverse is true with the ever-surprising 'Brookesia nana'. While the male is just over 2 centimeters long -- a bit over ¾ inch -- the female is 2.89 centimeters, over an inch long. The females are larger than the males to accommodate the eggs they lay.

Though little is known about these tiny chameleons, it can be assumed the reptiles are critically endangered due to massive deforestation in the Sorata region of Madagascar, where 'Brookesia nana' is found.

The species was discovered by herpetologist Frank Glaw and other German researchers in 2012 but It was described in 2021 in an article of the journal Science Report.

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