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:

• Discover the deadliest snakes in the world or marvel at the biggest snakes.
• Learn about snake symbolism and its significance across cultures.
• Curious about snake care? From dealing with snake mites and scale rot to crafting a custom snake enclosure, we provide insights to ensure your pet’s well-being.
• Whether you’re a resident looking to identify snakes in North Carolina or someone intrigued by the Tennessee water snakes, our regional guides offer clarity.
• Delve into the mysteries of snake breeding or the considerations of having an anaconda as a pet.
• And much more!

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Experience Level: Beginner
• Family: Colubridae
• Scientific Name: Simalia 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Experience Level: Beginner
• Family: Colubridae
• Scientific Name: Lampropeltis 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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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