What are the Different Types of Snakes?

Since the Garden of Eden, snakes have been a source of contention for humans. Though Eve lost her battle with the serpent, scientists have since learned that snakes are not only prolific, but useful, and most snakes are not venomous. Snakes can be found everywhere in the world except for New Zealand, Ireland, and a few other islands. Out of the approximately 2,700 species of snakes on the planet, less than 600 are venomous.

The Colubridae family of snakes makes up about two-thirds of all snakes in the world, most of which are not venomous. Garter snakes are a common non-venomous Colubrid snake that live both in water and on dry land. Garter snakes are found in every state in North America, Canada, and as far south as Central America. They eat mainly fish worms, and frogs, and their females bear live young.

Other non-venomous snakes include black snakes, racers, king snakes and rat snakes. Black snakes can be speedy and aggressive, quick to bite, but not venomous. They often have a constricting ability and are helpful to have around to control garden and household pests, such as mice. The king snake is a large, impressive snake that feeds on birds, rodents, and other small creatures. It is famous for being immune to the bite of a rattlesnake or copperhead.

Boas and pythons come from the family Boidae which includes some of the largest snakes in the world. Boas and pythons are known for squeezing their prey until it suffocates and then swallowing it whole. Found mainly from Mexico to South America, these large snakes often lie in wait next to watering sources and then attack animals that come to drink.

Venomous snakes are the ones we humans worry about the most. Venomous snakes, including the copperhead, water moccasin, and rattlesnake, belong to the pit viper family. Pit vipers have fangs that lie back against the roof of their mouths until they strike. They are named for the small pits located just behind their nostrils; these pits alert them to warm blooded creatures that might make a good meal.

Regular vipers are found mostly in Eurasia and Africa, and are similar to pit vipers, but often have geometric patterns on their skin. Coral snakes, asps, adders, and certain cobras belong to the viper family. Sea snakes are also a venomous snake that can grow to surprising lengths; they reside in the tropical seas of the world.

There are over 3,000 species of snakes in the world, inhabiting a variety of ecosystems from tropical rainforests to deserts. According to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS), these species are categorized into numerous families, with the Colubridae family being the largest, containing about two-thirds of all snake species.

The main families of snakes include Colubridae, which are mostly harmless and the most diverse; Viperidae, known for their long fangs and venomous bites; Elapidae, which includes cobras and coral snakes with neurotoxic venom; Boidae, comprising the non-venomous boas; and Pythonidae, which includes the non-venomous pythons.

While not foolproof, some physical characteristics can suggest a snake is venomous. For example, many have triangular heads, elliptical pupils, and prominent fangs. However, there are exceptions, and some non-venomous snakes mimic these traits for defense. It's important to note that identification should be left to experts to avoid risking a dangerous encounter.

The title of the largest snake species in the world goes to the green anaconda (Eunectes murinus), with reports of individuals reaching lengths of over 30 feet, according to the National Geographic. However, the reticulated python (Python reticulatus) holds the record for the longest snake, with verified measurements of up to 25 feet in length.

Yes, there are sea snakes, which are a group of marine reptiles adapted to living in saltwater. They belong to the family Elapidae and are closely related to terrestrial venomous snakes like cobras. Sea snakes are found primarily in the warm coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans and are known for their paddle-like tails and ability to breathe through their skin partially.

Snakes play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance as both predators and prey. They help control pest populations, such as rodents, and their presence indicates a healthy ecosystem. Additionally, snakes are a food source for other wildlife, creating a complex web of interactions that support biodiversity, as highlighted in studies by the Smithsonian Institution.