In 2014, there were over 3,000 described species of snakes worldwide and that number is steadily increasing as more species are constantly being described. Given the varied diversity that snakes exhibit, it’s no surprise that there are some stunning and diverse shapes, colors, patterns, and sizes of snakes. It is easy to vilify snakes and dismiss them as dangerous animals; however, they serve a key role in our ecosystem and their evolutionary adaptations are impressive.
In fact, snakes are so fascinating that they tend to evoke strong reactions from people. A 2014 survey by YouGov revealed that more Americans feared snakes than heights, public speaking, or even spiders. This phobia, known as ophidiophobia, affects around 64% of people, making snakes one of the most feared creatures on the planet. However, for the other 36%, snakes represent beauty, mystery, and an essential part of the natural world.
Let’s dive deeper into some of the most visually striking and unique snakes found across the globe. From brightly colored vines in Southeast Asia to venomous pit vipers in Sri Lanka, these slithering creatures offer much more than just a frightening reputation.
1. Sri Lankan Pit Viper (Hypnale hypnale)
The Sri Lankan Pit Viper is a small, among the most venomous snakes, endemic in forests within the confines of Sri Lanka. These snakes are known for being able to subtly blend into the forest floor, meaning one could pass by without noticing them. While they are certainly an eye-catching snake, they are obligate ambush predators that prefer to remain sheltered and quiet from potential threats. The Sri Lankan Pit Viper has a comparatively short and stout body with gorgeous patterns of greens and browns across their body. The snake’s body coloration is utilized for camouflage in their natural habitat.
- Size: Grows to around 2-3 feet long.
- Color: Typically a mix of green, brown, and gray with darker banding, making it ideal for hiding in leaf litter.
- Habitat: Found in tropical rainforests, particularly in the central and southern parts of Sri Lanka.
- Danger: While not as deadly as some other vipers, its venom can cause significant pain and swelling if bitten.
2. Asian Vine Snake (Ahaetulla prasina)
The Asian Vine Snake is a slender, tree-dwelling snake that is found in Southeast Asia, including countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Its long, thin body and bright green coloration make it look almost like a vine, providing excellent camouflage in the dense foliage. This snake is non-venomous, but it can strike quickly if threatened.
- Size: Typically around 4-6 feet long.
- Color: Vibrant green with a light yellowish underside, blending perfectly into tree branches.
- Habitat: Found in the canopies of rainforests and other wooded areas, it spends much of its time in trees.
- Behavior: Known for its calm nature, it primarily feeds on small lizards and birds.
3. Emerald Tree Boa (Corallus caninus)
Native to the rainforests of South America, the Emerald Tree Boa is a strikingly beautiful snake known for its vivid green color and snake-like “S” shaped posture. It spends most of its life in trees, using its prehensile tail to wrap around branches as it moves.
- Size: Can grow up to 8-10 feet long.
- Color: A brilliant green body with a pattern of white or yellowish markings along its back and sides.
- Habitat: Found primarily in the tropical rainforests of the Amazon and Orinoco basins.
- Behavior: Non-venomous, it uses constriction to subdue its prey, which mainly consists of small mammals and birds.
4. Indigo Snake (Drymarchon couperi)
The Indigo Snake is one of North America’s longest and most striking snakes. Known for its iridescent blue-black scales, this non-venomous snake is an apex predator in its environment. It helps control populations of small mammals, birds, and even venomous snakes like rattlesnakes.
- Size: Can grow up to 9 feet long.
- Color: Shiny metallic blue or black with a smooth, glossy appearance.
- Habitat: Primarily found in the southeastern United States, particularly in Georgia, Florida, and Alabama.
- Behavior: Active during the day, it is known for its calm demeanor and ability to coexist with humans.
5. Mangrove Snake (Boiga dendrophila)
The Mangrove Snake or Gold-ringed Cat Snake, is a venomous species derived from Southeast Asia that can be recognized by its striking black and yellow colouration. The Mangrove Snake is one of the shyest venomous snakes and will refrain from biting unless threatened.
- Size: Typically grows to about 5-6 feet long.
- Color: Black body with bright yellow or gold ring patterns along its back and sides.
- Habitat: Found in mangrove forests, rainforests, and coastal areas of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and the Philippines.
- Behavior: While venomous, its venom is not typically lethal to humans, but it can cause severe pain and swelling.
6. Burmese Python (Python bivittatus)
The Burmese Python is one of the largest snake species in the world. Native to Southeast Asia, this giant constrictor is often found in tropical forests and grasslands. While it is a non-venomous snake, it is an excellent predator, capable of taking down large prey.
- Size: Can reach lengths of 16-20 feet, with some individuals exceeding 23 feet.
- Color: Typically light brown with dark, splotchy markings along its back and sides.
- Habitat: Found in Southeast Asia, especially in countries like Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia.
- Behavior: Known for being solitary, it hunts by constricting its prey, which can include large mammals and even crocodiles.
7. Honduran Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum hondurensis)
The Honduran Milk Snake is an appealingly patterned species that comes from Central America. This snake has a fascinating pattern and colorful red, black, and white banding that makes it look like the venomous coral snake, however, it is completely harmless. The nickname comes from the myth that it can “milk” cows, which is purely a myth.
- Size: Typically 3-4 feet long.
- Color: Bright red, black, and white or yellow bands encircling its body.
- Habitat: Found in the pine forests and highlands of Honduras and surrounding regions.
- Behavior: Non-venomous and relatively docile, it feeds on small rodents, amphibians, and reptiles.
8. Cuban Rock Python (Epicrates angulifer)
The Cuban Rock Python is a non-venomous constrictor snake that is found in Cuba. They are one of the largest snakes in the world with unique and beautiful color patters. The Cuban Rock Python is also a very good climber and can spend a lot of its life (in trees) or on rocky ledges.
- Size: Can grow up to 13-15 feet long.
- Color: Light brown or tan with dark blotches, giving it a camouflage-like appearance.
- Habitat: Found in the rocky coastal areas, forests, and grasslands of Cuba.
- Behavior: This snake primarily feeds on small mammals, birds, and even reptiles, using its constriction abilities to subdue prey.
9. Lesser Ball Python (Python regius)
The Lesser Ball Python is a cool alternative to the well-known Ball Python, sought after for its attractive, lighter color morphs. Like the more common Ball Python, the Lesser is docile and non-venomous, making it one of the most popular snakes kept as pets.
- Size: Typically 3-5 feet long.
- Color: Lighter brown, yellow, and orange with dark brown or black markings.
- Habitat: Native to sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in grasslands and forests.
- Behavior: Calm and nocturnal, it uses constriction to capture small prey like rodents.
10. Venezuelan Puffing Snake (Spilotes sulphureus)
The Venezuelan Puffing Snake is a cool snakes which are found in the forests of Venezuelan. They are well-known for their defensive behavior, whereby they puff their bodies up to make them look larger if threatened, while they look like a bright, beautiful, colorful snake.
- Size: Typically 4-5 feet long.
- Color: Black and yellow with a glossy sheen.
- Habitat: Rainforests and forested areas of Venezuela and northern South America.
- Behavior: While non-venomous, it can deliver a painful bite when threatened and is known for its impressive display of puffing up its body.
Conclusion
From the tree-dwelling Asian Vine Snake to the massive Burmese Python, the world of snakes is as diverse as it is mesmerizing. Whether you admire them for their beauty, their adaptability, or their vital role in the ecosystem, there’s no denying that snakes deserve a place in our fascination and understanding of the natural world.
Whether you are a snake enthusiast or simply someone curious about these slithering creatures, there’s always something new to discover in the world of serpents. Each species offers a unique glimpse into the complex and beautiful world of reptiles.