35 Most Popular Types of Snakes Around the World

Snakes often get a bad rap, causing fear in many people. But these slithering creatures are a key part of our world’s ecosystems. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, each with its own unique traits.

I’m here to shed light on these misunderstood animals. In this blog post, I’ll introduce you to 35 of the most well-known snake types from around the globe. You’ll learn about their looks, habitats, and behaviors.

By the end, you’ll have a better grasp of the snake world. Whether you’re a nature lover or just curious, this guide will give you a fresh look at these fascinating reptiles.

Let’s dive into the diverse world of snakes!

Snakes of United States

Let’s explore some fascinating snakes that call the diverse landscapes of the United States their home.

1. Prairie Rattlesnake

Found in the western United States, the Prairie Rattlesnake is light brown or greenish with dark brown blotches. It prefers grasslands and open areas with sparse vegetation.

• Scientific Name: Crotalus viridis
• Weight: 0.5 to 1.5 kg (1.1 to 3.3 lbs)
• Length: 1 to 1.5 meters (3.3 to 5 feet)
• Lifespan: 16 to 20 years

2. Texas Indigo Snake

This shiny black snake, with a robust body, is native to the southern United States, especially Texas. It inhabits deserts, grasslands, and open areas near water.

• Scientific Name: Drymarchon melanurus erebennus
• Weight: 1.5 to 2.5 kg (3.3 to 5.5 lbs)
• Length: 1.8 to 2.5 meters (6 to 8 feet)
• Lifespan: 20 years

3. Coachwhip Snake

This slender snake is found in the southwestern United States and has a long, whip-like body, usually tan or brown. It lives in dry, open habitats like deserts and scrublands.

• Scientific Name: Masticophis flagellum
• Weight: 0.4 to 0.7 kg (0.8 to 1.5 lbs)
• Length: 1.5 to 2.5 meters (5 to 8 feet)
• Lifespan: 10 to 12 years

Snakes of Mexico

Here are some of the unique snake species that thrive in the varying climates of Mexico, from deserts to rainforests.

4. Mexican Milk Snake

This brightly colored snake, with red, black, and white bands, is found in central Mexico. It prefers forests, grasslands, and rocky hillsides.

• Scientific Name: Lampropeltis triangulum annulata
• Weight: 0.5 to 1.5 kg (1.1 to 3.3 lbs)
• Length: 0.8 to 1.2 meters (2.6 to 4 feet)
• Lifespan: 12 to 15 years

5. Mexican Pine Snake

Native to northern Mexico, this snake is tan with brown or black blotches. It lives in forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas.

• Scientific Name: Pituophis deppei
• Weight: 0.9 to 1.5 kg (2 to 3.3 lbs)
• Length: 1.2 to 1.8 meters (4 to 6 feet)
• Lifespan: 15 to 20 years

6. Tropical Rat Snake

Found in southern Mexico, the Tropical Rat Snake has a slender body with yellow and black coloration. It inhabits rainforests and lowland forests.

• Scientific Name: Spilotes pullatus
• Weight: 0.4 to 1.2 kg (0.8 to 2.6 lbs)
• Length: 1.5 to 2 meters (5 to 6.5 feet)
• Lifespan: 12 to 18 years

Snakes of Brazil

Discover the incredible snakes that inhabit Brazil’s lush rainforests and expansive wetlands.

7. False Coral Snake

This non-venomous snake mimics the appearance of the deadly coral snake, with alternating red, black, and white bands. It inhabits forests and savannas in Brazil.

• Scientific Name: Oxyrhopus guibei
• Weight: 0.2 to 0.5 kg (0.4 to 1.1 lbs)
• Length: 0.5 to 1.2 meters (1.6 to 4 feet)
• Lifespan: 8 to 12 years

8. Brazilian Rainbow Boa

This snake is native to the Amazon Basin in Brazil and is known for its iridescent scales, which reflect rainbow colors. It thrives in humid forests and near water.

• Scientific Name: Epicrates cenchria
• Weight: 1 to 2 kg (2.2 to 4.4 lbs)
• Length: 1.5 to 2 meters (5 to 6.5 feet)
• Lifespan: 20 to 25 years

9. Yellow Anaconda

The Yellow Anaconda is found in Brazil’s wetlands, where it preys on small mammals and birds. It has a yellowish body with dark spots and bands.

• Scientific Name: Eunectes notaeus
• Weight: 30 to 40 kg (66 to 88 lbs)
• Length: 3 to 4.5 meters (10 to 15 feet)
• Lifespan: 15 to 20 years

Snakes of India

Let’s take a closer look at the intriguing and sometimes dangerous snakes found across India’s diverse environments.

10. Banded Krait

The Banded Krait has striking black and yellow crossbands in forests and grasslands across India. It prefers to live near water bodies and agricultural areas.

• Scientific Name: Bungarus fasciatus
• Weight: 0.8 to 1.5 kg (1.7 to 3.3 lbs)
• Length: 1.5 to 2.5 meters (5 to 8 feet)
• Lifespan: 12 to 14 years

11. Indian Rock Python

This large snake is found throughout India, especially in forests and grasslands. It has a robust body with light brown patterns and prefers humid environments near water.

• Scientific Name: Python molurus
• Weight: 30 to 50 kg (66 to 110 lbs)
• Length: 3 to 6 meters (10 to 20 feet)
• Lifespan: 20 to 30 years

12. Red Sand Boa

This snake is native to arid regions of India and has a stout, reddish-brown body. It prefers deserts and scrublands.

• Scientific Name: Eryx johnii
• Weight: 0.5 to 1 kg (1.1 to 2.2 lbs)
• Length: 0.5 to 0.9 meters (1.6 to 3 feet)
• Lifespan: 10 to 15 years

Snakes of Australia

Australia is known for its deadly snakes, and here’s a list of some of the most notable species found across the continent.

13. Olive Python

This large python is native to northern Australia and has a smooth olive-brown body. It inhabits rocky areas and forests near water sources.

• Scientific Name: Liasis olivaceus
• Weight: 10 to 20 kg (22 to 44 lbs)
• Length: 3 to 4 meters (10 to 13 feet)
• Lifespan: 20 to 25 years

14. Woma Python

This python is found in central and western Australia and has a smooth, tan body with dark bands. It prefers arid regions, including deserts and savannahs.

• Scientific Name: Aspidites ramsayi
• Weight: 2 to 3 kg (4.4 to 6.6 lbs)
• Length: 1.5 to 2 meters (5 to 6.5 feet)
• Lifespan: 15 to 20 years

15. Spotted Black Snake

Native to eastern Australia, this snake has a black body with faint, lighter spots. It lives in forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas.

• Scientific Name: Pseudechis guttatus
• Weight: 0.5 to 1.5 kg (1.1 to 3.3 lbs)
• Length: 1 to 2 meters (3.3 to 6.5 feet)
• Lifespan: 12 to 16 years

Snakes of South Africa

South Africa hosts a range of interesting snake species, and here are some you might encounter in its grasslands and savannahs.

16. Cape Cobra

Found in South Africa, the Cape Cobra is highly venomous and has a yellow or brown body. It prefers semi-desert, savannah, and scrubland habitats.

• Scientific Name: Naja nivea
• Weight: 0.5 to 1.5 kg (1.1 to 3.3 lbs)
• Length: 1.2 to 1.6 meters (4 to 5.2 feet)
• Lifespan: 12 to 20 years

17. Boomslang

The Boomslang is a highly venomous, tree-dwelling snake found in South Africa. It has a slender, bright green or brown body and lives in forests and savannas.

• Scientific Name: Dispholidus typus
• Weight: 0.1 to 0.5 kg (0.2 to 1.1 lbs)
• Length: 1 to 1.6 meters (3.3 to 5.2 feet)
• Lifespan: 8 to 12 years

18. Spitting Cobra

This snake is common in South Africa and can eject venom from its fangs. It has a yellow or black body and prefers arid regions and open savannahs.

• Scientific Name: Naja nigricollis
• Weight: 0.5 to 1.2 kg (1.1 to 2.6 lbs)
• Length: 1.2 to 2.2 meters (4 to 7.2 feet)
• Lifespan: 12 to 15 years

Snakes of Indonesia

Indonesia’s tropical rainforests are home to a variety of striking snakes, and here are some of the most notable ones.

19. Sunda Pit Viper

This snake is native to the rainforests of Indonesia and has a green body with yellowish patterns. It lives in dense vegetation near water sources.

• Scientific Name: Trimeresurus insularis
• Weight: 0.3 to 0.8 kg (0.6 to 1.8 lbs)
• Length: 0.7 to 1.2 meters (2.3 to 4 feet)
• Lifespan: 10 to 12 years

20. Sulawesi Pit Viper

This snake, which has a green body with dark crossbands, is found on the island of Sulawesi. It inhabits tropical forests and scrublands.

• Scientific Name: Tropidolaemus subannulatus
• Weight: 0.4 to 0.9 kg (0.8 to 2 lbs)
• Length: 0.8 to 1.4 meters (2.6 to 4.6 feet)
• Lifespan: 10 to 15 years

21. Blood Python

This python is native to the lowland forests of Indonesia and has a thick, reddish body. It prefers swampy areas and dense rainforests.

• Scientific Name: Python brongersmai
• Weight: 5 to 9 kg (11 to 20 lbs)
• Length: 1.5 to 2 meters (5 to 6.5 feet)
• Lifespan: 15 to 20 years

Snakes of Thailand

In Thailand’s rich biodiversity, these snakes stand out as some of the most remarkable species you’ll find.

22. Mangrove Pit Viper

This venomous snake is found in coastal regions of Thailand, especially in mangroves. It has a dark green or black body with faint patterns.

• Scientific Name: Trimeresurus purpureomaculatus
• Weight: 0.3 to 0.6 kg (0.6 to 1.3 lbs)
• Length: 0.7 to 1 meter (2.3 to 3.3 feet)
• Lifespan: 10 to 15 years

23. Indo-Chinese Rat Snake

This non-venomous snake is found in Thailand’s forests and grasslands. It has a brown or olive-green body with a slender build.

• Scientific Name: Ptyas korros
• Weight: 0.5 to 1 kg (1.1 to 2.2 lbs)
• Length: 1.5 to 2 meters (5 to 6.5 feet)
• Lifespan: 12 to 15 years

24. Monocled Cobra

The Monocled Cobra is found in Thailand’s forests and rice paddies and has a unique circular mark on its hood. It prefers wetlands and agricultural areas.

• Scientific Name: Naja kaouthia
• Weight: 1 to 2 kg (2.2 to 4.4 lbs)
• Length: 1.3 to 2.3 meters (4.3 to 7.5 feet)
• Lifespan: 15 to 20 years

Snakes of Egypt

Let’s explore the snakes that have adapted to the harsh desert environment and unique landscapes of Egypt.

25. Desert Horned Viper

Native to the deserts of Egypt, this snake has horn-like structures above its eyes and a camouflaged body. It thrives in sandy deserts and rocky areas.

• Scientific Name: Cerastes cerastes
• Weight: 0.2 to 0.4 kg (0.4 to 0.9 lbs)
• Length: 0.3 to 0.85 meters (1 to 2.8 feet)
• Lifespan: 10 to 12 years

26. Egyptian False Cobra

This non-venomous snake is native to Egypt and resembles the true cobra in appearance. It prefers arid regions and rocky areas.

• Scientific Name: Malpolon moilensis
• Weight: 0.4 to 0.8 kg (0.9 to 1.8 lbs)
• Length: 1 to 1.5 meters (3.3 to 5 feet)
• Lifespan: 8 to 12 years

27. Spotted Desert Racer

This slender snake is found in the deserts of Egypt and has a tan body with dark spots. It thrives in sandy and rocky environments.

• Scientific Name: Platyceps saharicus
• Weight: 0.1 to 0.3 kg (0.2 to 0.7 lbs)
• Length: 0.7 to 1 meter (2.3 to 3.3 feet)
• Lifespan: 8 to 10 years

Snakes of China

28. Chinese Rat Snake

Found in southern China, this snake has a slender, grayish body and lives in forests and near water bodies.

• Scientific Name: Elaphe taeniura
• Weight: 0.5 to 1 kg (1.1 to 2.2 lbs)
• Length: 1 to 1.6 meters (3.3 to 5.2 feet)
• Lifespan: 10 to 15 years

29. Sharp-nosed Pit Viper

This venomous snake is found in southern China and has a triangular head with a greenish body. It inhabits forests, farmlands, and grasslands.

• Scientific Name: Deinagkistrodon acutus
• Weight: 0.5 to 1 kg (1.1 to 2.2 lbs)
• Length: 0.8 to 1.5 meters (2.6 to 5 feet)
• Lifespan: 10 to 12 years

30. Chinese King Rat Snake

This large snake is native to central and southern China and has a glossy, olive-brown body. It inhabits forests and rural areas.

• Scientific Name: Elaphe carinata
• Weight: 0.8 to 1.5 kg (1.7 to 3.3 lbs)
• Length: 1.5 to 2 meters (5 to 6.5 feet)
• Lifespan: 12 to 15 years

Snakes of Philippines

The Philippines is home to many diverse and unique snake species, and here’s a glimpse into some of the most interesting ones.

31. Philippine Pit Viper

This venomous snake is found in the tropical forests of the Philippines and has a green body with faint patterns. It lives in trees and dense vegetation.

• Scientific Name: Trimeresurus flavomaculatus
• Weight: 0.2 to 0.5 kg (0.4 to 1.1 lbs)
• Length: 0.8 to 1.2 meters (2.6 to 4 feet)
• Lifespan: 10 to 15 years

32. Banded Sea Krait

Found in the coastal waters of the Philippines, this venomous snake has black and white bands and spends most of its time in the ocean.

• Scientific Name: Laticauda colubrina
• Weight: 0.5 to 1 kg (1.1 to 2.2 lbs)
• Length: 1 to 1.5 meters (3.3 to 5 feet)
• Lifespan: 10 to 12 years

33. Northern Philippine Cobra

This highly venomous cobra is found in the northern regions of the Philippines and has a black or brown body. It prefers rice fields and grasslands.

• Scientific Name: Naja philippinensis
• Weight: 1 to 1.5 kg (2.2 to 3.3 lbs)
• Length: 1 to 1.8 meters (3.3 to 6 feet)
• Lifespan: 15 to 20 years

Snakes of Sri Lanka

34. Hump-nosed Viper

This small venomous snake is native to Sri Lanka and has a distinct upturned snout. It inhabits lowland forests and agricultural lands.

• Scientific Name: Hypnale hypnale
• Weight: 0.1 to 0.2 kg (0.2 to 0.4 lbs)
• Length: 0.3 to 0.5 meters (1 to 1.6 feet)
• Lifespan: 8 to 12 years

35. Ceylonese Cat Snake

This nocturnal snake is native to Sri Lanka and has a reddish-brown body with large eyes. It prefers forests, gardens, and lowland regions.

• Scientific Name: Boiga ceylonensis
• Weight: 0.2 to 0.4 kg (0.4 to 0.9 lbs)
• Length: 1 to 1.4 meters (3.3 to 4.6 feet)
• Lifespan: 10 to 12 years

Conclusion

I hope this tour of the snake world has opened your eyes to these amazing creatures. Each species plays a vital role in nature, from the tiny Thread Snake to the massive Reticulated Python.

Why does this matter? Understanding snakes helps us protect our ecosystems and reduces unnecessary fear. These reptiles control pest populations and are key players in their habitats.

What’s next? I encourage you to learn more about snakes in your area. You might be surprised by the species living near you! If you’re feeling brave, consider visiting a zoo or wildlife center to see some of these snakes up close.

Remember, respect for all creatures, including snakes, is key to a balanced environment.

Let’s appreciate these scaly wonders from a safe distance!