Snakes are a diverse group of legless reptiles within the suborder Serpentes, known for their elongated bodies, flexible jaws, and scaly skin. They are entirely carnivorous, using various methods to capture and subdue prey, including constriction, venom, and ambush tactics. Snakes are found worldwide, except Antarctica, and inhabit a variety of environments ranging from rainforests to deserts.
Characteristics
- Body Structure: Elongated and limbless, with a flexible spine.
- Diet: Carnivorous, using methods like constriction, venom, and ambush.
- Habitat: Found globally except Antarctica, in diverse environments.
Viperidae: Examples of Vipers
Vipers are known for their long, hinged fangs and potent venom, which they use to ambush prey. They possess a stocky body, triangular head, and are often characterized by a patterned coat that provides camouflage. Vipers are found in both Old and New World habitats, primarily in temperate and tropical regions.
Common Wench (Agkistrodon piscivorus)
The Common Wench, or Cottonmouth, is a water-loving viper found in the southeastern United States. It has a thick body, triangular head, and is known for its white mouth interior, which it displays when threatened. This venomous snake preys on fish and small mammals.
Gaboon Viper (Bitis gabonica)
The Gaboon Viper, native to the rainforests of Central and West Africa, has the longest fangs of any snake and a highly potent venom. It is known for its striking patterns and large, triangular head. This ambush predator lies in wait for small mammals and birds.
Pythonidae: Examples of Pythons
Pythons are non-venomous constrictors that kill their prey by wrapping around it and suffocating it. They have small remnants of hind limbs, known as pelvic spurs, and are excellent swimmers. Pythons are found in Africa, Asia, and Australia, inhabiting diverse environments from jungles to savannas.
Burmese Python (Python bivittatus)
The Burmese Python is a large constrictor native to the jungles of Southeast Asia. Known for its beautiful patterned skin, it ambushes prey, which includes birds and mammals. This snake is also popular in the pet trade, contributing to its invasive status in places like Florida.
Green Python (Morelia viridis)
The Green Python, with its vibrant emerald color, is found in the treetops of New Guinea and nearby islands. It kills prey by constriction and is known for its arboreal lifestyle, often seen curled in a tight coil on branches. This snake feeds on small mammals and birds.
Colubridae: Examples of Colubrids
Colubrids are the largest snake family, though many are non-venomous. They have diverse feeding habits, with some members, like the boomslang, possessing venom. Colubrids are found worldwide and occupy a range of habitats. They are known for their slender bodies and quick movements.
Rat Snake (Pantherophis spp.)
Rat snakes are slender, agile hunters found across North America. They are adept climbers and feed on rodents, which they constrict. Known for their keen sense of smell, these non-venomous snakes play a crucial role in controlling rodent populations.
Boomslang (Dispholidus spp.)
The Boomslang, found in sub-Saharan Africa, is an agile tree-dwelling snake with potent venom, unlike many colubrids. It feeds on birds and their eggs. Known for its large eyes and round pupils, this snake has a strong hemotoxic venom that affects blood coagulation.