We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Reptiles

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How do I Differentiate Between Snake Species?

By Tara Barnett
Updated: Jun 04, 2024
Views: 23,715
Share

When a snake is encountered in the wild, most people determine its species on visual characteristics such as size, color, scale structure, and other factors. In captivity or when viewed on a scientific excursion, a snake might also be identified by its behavior, preferred diet, and other more time-related characteristics. Learning to differentiate between snake species can be a valuable skill for anyone who might encounter snakes in the wild, and there are a few good strategies to use when accomplishing this task.

It's fairly easy to narrow down which snake species a snake found in the wild might belong to simply by considered where one saw it. Most snakes only live in certain areas, and being familiar with which snake species live in certain areas can narrow down the number of potential species considerably. When an unknown snake species is encountered in captivity, the breed may be more difficult to determine, but is usually known the owner. Unfortunately, the prevalence of escaped pet snakes may mean that a snake species unusual for the area may be encountered, although this is rare.

Size can also be a major and obvious way to differentiate between snake species. Some snakes are very small, while others are large, and this alone can often serve to identify the snake. Most snakes have a range that is common for its species, although there are certainly large and small outliers.

The next strategy most people apply involves the coloration of the snake. Many snakes have distinctive coloration, such as colored bands, saddle markings, or even a single plain color. These can sometimes be confusing, as in the difference between the harmless milk snake and the venomous coral snake, but attention to the relevant details, such as placement of the colors, can often serve to differentiate even vastly similar species.

Other physical characteristic, such as the sleekness of the scales, the size of the head, and the way in which the snake moves, can all be used in some cases to identify a snake species. In some cases, snakes may have very distinctive physical characteristics such as horns, a hood, or a rattle. The bodies of snakes may be skinny or relatively wide. All these factors give different snakes very unique appearances.

It is important not to approach an unidentified snake, although it is never a good idea to disturb even a non-venomous snake in the wild. The best policy is to simply leave all snakes alone, and to never approach a snake that is known to be poisonous. Identifying snakes in the wild can be a fascinating hobby, but it should always be enjoyed with safety and animal welfare in mind.

Share
All Things Nature is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By Spotiche5 — On Dec 02, 2014

Anyone who is interested in learning more about snakes should visit a zoo or nature preserve in his or her area. These facilities usually offer classes or workshops in identifying snakes that may be found locally, as well as those that are common throughout the world.

Not only are these informative sessions interesting for snake enthusiasts, but they also give young students important information on snakes that could help them on science tests.

By Raynbow — On Dec 01, 2014

I have a friend who is planning to go into zoology, and is taking a class about identifying snakes. There are so many different snakes in the wild, that it is a very difficult task to master. I'm glad to see that the article mentions that fact, and warns about approaching snakes that may or may not be venomous. When it comes to snake species, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Share
https://www.allthingsnature.org/how-do-i-differentiate-between-snake-species.htm
Copy this link
All Things Nature, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

All Things Nature, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.