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26 Prominent Snake Species

Snakes are among the most intriguing and diverse creatures on our planet. With over 3,000 recognized species worldwide, these reptiles have captivated the human imagination for millennia. On this page, we’ve highlighted 26 prominent snake species, providing both their scientific and common names for a comprehensive understanding. Alongside this, we offer in-depth care sheets for several species, equipping you with the knowledge to care for your slithering companion in the best possible way.

As you delve into the world of snakes, it’s essential to understand their behavior, anatomy, and characteristics. For those curious about specific traits or looking for answers to common questions, we’ve prepared guides on topics ranging from snake anatomy to their reproductive habits. Wondering about the differences between snake eggs and those of lizards or turtles? We’ve got you covered. Intrigued by the behaviors, like why snakes yawn or whether they can actually fart? Dive into our articles below.

To further enhance your journey, we’ve curated a list of specialized articles that might pique your interest:

So, whether you’re a budding herpetologist, a snake enthusiast, or just someone curious about these mesmerizing creatures, our “Snake Species” page promises to be a treasure trove of information. Dive in and discover the fascinating world of snakes!

Snake Species Care Sheets

Boidae

1. Colombian Rainbow

Columbian Rainbow Boas

  • Experience Level: Intermediate
  • Family: Boidae
  • Scientific Name: Epicrates maurus
  • Other Names: Brown Rainbow Boa
  • Risk Factor: Nonvenomous, constrictor
  • Average Adult Size: 3 – 5 feet (0.9 m – 1.5 m)
  • Lifespan: 15 – 24 years

2. Green Anaconda

Green anaconda slithering in mud
Green anaconda slithering in mud
  • Experience Level: Advanced
  • Family: Boidae
  • Scientific Name: Eunectes murinus
  • Risk Factor: Nonvenomous, constrictor
  • Average Adult Size: Males 8 to 10 feet (2.4m to 3m ), Females 16+ feet (4.8m+)
  • Lifespan: 10 – 30 years

3. Hog Island Boa

hog island boa constrictor
Hog island boa constrictor
  • Experience level: Intermediate
  • Family: Boidae
  • Scientific name: Boa Constrictor Imperator
  • Average adult size: 4 to 6 feet (1.2m – 1.8m)
  • Lifespan: 20 to 30+ years

4. Kenyan Sand Boa

Kenyan Sand Boa
  • Experience Level: Beginner
  • Family: Boidae
  • Scientific Name: Gongylophis colubrinus (Eryx colubrinus)
  • Other Names: Egyptian Sand Boa
  • Risk Factor: Nonvenomous, constrictor
  • Average Adult Size: 2 – 3 feet (60 cm – 91 cm)
  • Lifespan: 15 – 20 years

5. Rosy Boa

San Ignacio Rosy Boa
San Ignacio Rosy Boa

  • Experience Level: Beginner
  • Family: Boidae
  • Scientific Name: Charina trivirgata / Lichanura trivirgata
  • Risk Factor: Nonvenomous, constrictor
  • Average Adult Size: 1.4 to 3.6 feet (0.44 to 1.12 m)
  • Lifespan: 15 – 30 years

Colubridae

  • Experience Level: Intermediate
  • Family: Colubridae
  • Scientific Name: Pituophis catenifer sayi
  • Risk Factor: Nonvenomous, constrictor
  • Average Adult Size: 1 40 to 72 in (1.22 to 1.83 m)
  • Lifespan: 20 to 25 years

7. Boelen Python Care Sheet

Boelen Puthon
Pueblan Milk Snake
  • Experience Level: Beginner
  • FamilyColubridae
  • Scientific NameSimalia boeleni
  • Other Names: Black Python
  • Risk Factor: Nonvenomous, colubrid
  • Average Adult Size: 8 – 9 feet (2.4 m – 2.7 m)
  • Lifespan: 20 + years
  • Experience Level: Intermediate
  • Family: Colubridae
  • Scientific Name: Pituophis catenifer sayi
  • Risk Factor: Nonvenomous, constrictor
  • Average Adult Size: 40 to 72 in (1.22 to 1.83 m)
  • Lifespan: 20 to 25 years

9. Corn Snake

Corn Snake
  • Experience Level: Beginner
  • Family: Colubridae
  • Scientific Name: Pantherophis guttatus
  • Risk Factor: Nonvenomous, constrictor
  • Average Adult Size: 2 – 6 feet (0.6 m – 1.8 m)
  • Lifespan: 23 years

10. Egg Eating Snake

African egg-eating snake
  • Experience level: Intermediate
  • Family: Colubridae
  • Scientific name: Dasypeltis scabra
  • Other Names: Rhombic egg eater, Common egg eater, African egg-eating snake
  • Average adult size: 24-30 inches
  • Lifespan: 10+ years

11. Elephant Trunk snake

Elephant Trunk snake in tank (Acrochordus javanicus)
Elephant Trunk snake in tank (Acrochordus javanicus)
  • Experience Level: Expert
  • Family: Colubridae
  • Scientific Name: Acrochordus javanicus
  • Risk Factor: Nonvenomous
  • Average Adult Size: 5 to 8 feet (152 to 244 cm)
  • Lifespan: 4 -6 years

12. Garter Snake

North American common Garter Snake
  • Experience Level: Beginner
  • Family: Colubridae
  • Scientific Name: Thamnophis sp.
  • Risk Factor: Nonvenomous, colubrid
  • Average Adult Size: 2-3 feet (0.61 – 0.91 m)
  • Lifespan: 5-10 years
  • Experience Level: Intermediate
  • Family: Colubridae
  • Scientific Name: Pituophis catenifer sayi
  • Risk Factor: Nonvenomous, constrictor
  • Average Adult Size: 1 40 to 72 in (1.22 to 1.83 m)
  • Lifespan: 20 to 25 years

14. Green Rat Snake

Red-tail green rat snake (Gonyosoma oxycephalum) resting on branch in enclosure
  • Experience Level: Intermediate
  • Family: Colubridae
  • Scientific Name: Gonyosoma oxycephalum
  • Risk Factor: nonvenomous
  • Average Adult Size: up to 8 feet (2.4 m)
  • Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
  • Experience Level: Advanced
  • Family: Colubridae
  • Scientific Name: Euprepiophis mandarinus
  • Risk Factor: Nonvenomous, constrictor
  • Average Adult Size: 4ft 7in (1.4m)
  • Lifespan: 10 to 15 years

16. Mexican Black Kingsnake

Mexican-Black-Kingsnake-Western-Black-Kingsnake
Mexican Black Kingsnake
  • Experience Level: Beginner
  • Family: Colubridae
  • Scientific Name: Lampropeltis getula nigrita
  • Other Names: Western Black Kingsnake
  • Risk Factor: Nonvenomous, constrictor
  • Average Adult Size: 3.5 – 4.3 feet (1.06 m – 1.32 m)
  • Lifespan: 15 – 33 years

17. Pueblan Milk Snake

Pueblan-Milk-Snake-Campbells-Milk-Snake
Pueblan Milk Snake
  • Experience Level: Beginner
  • FamilyColubridae
  • Scientific NameLampropeltis triangulum campbelli
  • Other Names: Campbell’s Milk Snake
  • Risk Factor: Nonvenomous, colubrid
  • Average Adult Size: 3 – 4 feet (0.9 m – 1.2 m)
  • Lifespan: 15 – 22 years

18. Western Hognose Snake

Hognose snake curled up
Hognose Snake

  • Experience Level: Beginner
  • Family: Colubridae
  • Scientific Name: Heterodon nasicus
  • Risk Factor: Nonvenomous, constrictor
  • Average Adult Size: 1.4 to 3.6 feet (0.38 to 0.51 m)
  • Lifespan: 15 – 20 years

Elapidae

  • Experience Level: Advanced
  • Family: Elapidae
  • Scientific Name: Bungarus fasciatus
  • Risk Factor: Nonvenomous, constrictor
  • Average Adult Size: 70 to 82 in (1.8-2.1 meters)
  • Lifespan: Unknown

Leptotyphlopidae

  • Experience Level: ?
  • Family: Leptotyphlopidae
  • Scientific Name: Rena dulcis, Leptotyphlops dulcis
  • Risk Factor: Nonvenomous, constrictor
  • Average Adult Size: up to 27 cm (11 in)
  • Lifespan: Unknown

Pythonidae

21. Jungle Carpet Python

Jungle Carpet Python
  • Experience Level: Beginner
  • Family: Pythonidae
  • Scientific Name: Morelia spilota cheynei
  • Risk Factor: Nonvenomous, python
  • Average Adult Size: 5–7 feet (1.5-2.1 m)
  • Lifespan: 15 – 20 years

22. Green Tree Python

Green tree python close up
Green Tree Python

  • Experience Level: Intermediate
  • Family: Pythonidae
  • Scientific Name: Morelia viridis
  • Risk Factor: Nonvenomous, constrictor
  • Average Adult Size: 4.9 to 6 feet (1.50 to 1.80 m)
  • Lifespan: 20.6 years

23. Sumatran Short Tail Python

Python curtus (Sumatran Short Tail Python)
Python curtus (Sumatran Short Tail Python)

  • Experience Level: Expert
  • Family: Pythonidae
  • Scientific Name: Python curtus
  • Risk Factor: Venomous, constrictor
  • Average Adult Size: 4 to 5 feet in length as captive adults; hatchlings are approximately 8 to 12 inches in length
  • Lifespan: 20 to 30 years
  • Experience Level: Expert
  • Family: Pythonidae
  • Scientific Name: Python reticulatus / Malayopython reticulatus
  • Risk Factor: Nonvenomous, constrictor
  • Average Adult Size: 5.25 to 29.53 feet (1.6 to 9.0 m)
  • Lifespan: 18 to 27 years

25. Ball Python

Ball Python
  • Experience Level: Beginner
  • Family: Pythonidae
  • Scientific Name: Python regius
  • Other Names: Royal Python
  • Risk Factor: Nonvenomous, constrictor
  • Average Adult Size: 3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 m)
  • Lifespan: 20-30 years

Xenopeltidae

26. Sunbeam Snake

Sunbeam Snake
  • Experience Level: Advanced
  • Family: Xenopeltidae
  • Scientific Name: Xenopeltis unicolor
  • Risk Factor: Nonvenomous, constrictor
  • Average Adult Size: 3 feet 3 inches – 4 feet 3 inches (1 m – 1.3 m)
  • Lifespan: 9 years – 12 years
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