Types Of Snakes

Most people in the world quiver when they hear the word ‘snakes’. Snake is a reptile that is covered in scales. These cold-blooded creepers are also one of the most interesting creatures that exist on this planet. Almost all snakes are carnivorous and their distinguishing features are their lack of eyelids, limbs and external ears. These can move easily because of the numerous vertebrae and ribs on their bodies. Their strong sense of vibrations, their vision and their sense of smell, are what make them aware of their prey or predators. Most snakes hide when they sense danger around them and often try to defend themselves by biting. Scientists have also proved that these creatures are extremely intelligent. There are about 2,700 species of snakes. Although, it would be quite impossible to mention each of those species of snakes here, but read on to find out about some of the most important species.

 

 

These are extremely venomous snakes belonging to the snake family, Elapidae. Elapids are slender and swift reptiles capable of striking a prey with a downward stab. Their venom is chiefly neurotoxic, that affects the central nervous system and contain certain elements that affect the blood cells or tissues. Only rare cases are found where the prey actually survives. There are terrestrial and aquatic elapids and some among them are the most venomous and the biggest snakes found in the world. Aquatic elapids have paddle-shaped tails, which help them to adapt to marine environments. The terrestrial elapids closely resemble colubrids. These are found in the sub-tropical and tropical regions around the world. They have hollow fangs which they use to inject venom in their victim. Their size can range from 18 centimeters to more than 6 meters. In total, there are about 231 species in this family of snakes. Some of the famous examples of Elapids are:

 

Viperidae  

The Viperidae or the vipers, as they are more commonly known, are found all over the world except in Madagascar and Australia. These snakes are extremely quick and are generally heavy-bodied with triangular-shaped heads. They have vertical pupils in their eyes and their scales are normally keeled. Their fangs are comparatively long and hinged. These fangs are attached to the upper jaw of the snake and folded back in the mouth, only to be revealed when threatened. With the help of their long fangs, the vipers inject venom into their victims. Vipers can control the amount of venom, which is beneficial for them as they can save it for future use. Different species of vipers produce various types of venom. In the Viperidae family, there are about four sub-species, namely, the Azemiopinae, Vipermae, Crotalinae and the Causinae. Some common examples of this species of snakes are as following:

 

About two-thirds of the world’s snakes fall under this category of snakes. These types of snakes are slender and are rear-fanged and solid-toothed. They lack the advanced venom delivering system like other snakes and certain species do not have left lungs or are extremely small in size. The snakes belonging to the Colubridae family are harmless and non-poisonous. Most colubrids prey on small and non-threatening creatures such as frogs and lizards. Colubrids are found in almost all parts of the world especially in tropical areas. However, there are certain species even in this family, like the Boomslang and the African Twig which have been responsible for human deaths. Their fangs are located at the back of their mouths. There are over 1,600 species of colubrids in the world. Some of the common examples of this species are as following:

 

These are sea or aquatic snakes that are distantly related to the cobra family of snakes. They are about two meters in length and about 50 species of these snakes are there in the world. Almost all the snakes of this family are highly venomous. These snakes have short and hollow fangs, located near the front and upper jaw. Some of the common examples of this species are as following:

 

Boidae  

This is the family of huge non-venomous snakes, commonly referred to as boas. Many well-known and beautiful snakes in the world belong in this category such as boa constrictors and anacondas. Most species in this group have vestigial limbs and the remains of a pelvic girdle. Some of the many snakes that belong to the boidae family of snakes are as follows:

 

Now you know that, apart from venomous snakes, there are non-venomous snakes too. Snakes maybe one of the most dangerous carnivores on earth, but none can deny how fascinating they are. There are several species of snakes and each species has its own distinct features.