Snakes are a family of legless, elongated, venomous or non-venomous carnivorous reptiles. Covered in scales and equipped with multiple joints in their jaws, most species of snakes live on land with some species are able to swim or fly. Thanks to their flexible jaws, most snakes eat their prey whole after they kill through either constriction, if non-venomous, or through poisoning with their venomous bite. Snakes are found on nearly every continent, except Antarctica, and are not found on many large islands, such as Ireland and Iceland. Only 600 species of snakes are venomous and only 200 of those are venomous enough to seriously harm or kill a human (about 7 percent of all snakes). Snakes shed their skin monthly and have forked tongues that they use to smell in order to hunt their prey and sense their surroundings.

What do snakes eat?

Snakes are carnivores, and their diet varies on their species. Generally, snakes eat fish, worms, termites, birds, bats, and other types of snakes. Smaller snakes eat pupae, eggs, ants, and centipedes, while larger snakes can eat deer and pigs. All snakes swallow their food whole.

How do snakes move?

Snakes have 4 methods they use to move: the serpentine, concertina, sidewinding, and rectilinear method. In the serpentine method, the most common method, snakes push off bumpy surfaces and move in a wavy motion. The concertina method is effective for tight spaces, the sidewinding method helps them move on loose or slippery surfaces, and the rectilinear method is a straight movement.

How often do snakes shed?

Snakes tend to shed their skin 2 to 4 times a year. The amount varies depending on the age and species of the snake. Younger snakes shed their skin every 2 weeks while older snakes shed their skin 2 times a year.

Snakes Guides
Browse through our curated Snakes Guides for additional categorizations, tips, details, variations, styles, and histories of Snakes. Guides provide additional insights into the unique properties and shared relationships between elements.
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3.15”-5.9” | 8-15 cm
6.5’-12’ | 1.98-3.66 m
6.6-11 lb | 3-5 kg
12-18 years
Atlantic Bushmaster
15.000
366.000
5.000
18.00
3205
GUIDE
3D
Atlantic Bushmaster
1.2”-2.75” | 3-7 cm
2’-5’ | .61-1.52 m
2.6-6.6 lb | 1.2-3 kg
30-50 years
Ball Python
7.000
152.000
3.000
50.00
227400
GUIDE
3D
Ball Python
2”-3.9” | 5-10 cm
6.5’-14’ | 1.98-4.27 m
2.2-3.5 lb | 1-1.6 kg
10-20 years
Black Mamba
10.000
427.000
1.600
20.00
437350
GUIDE
3D
Black Mamba
3.5”-8.7” | 9-22 cm
8’-26’ | 2.44-7.92 m
15-165 lb | 6.8-75 kg
20-28 years
Burmese Python
22.000
792.000
75.000
28.00
72500
GUIDE
3D
Burmese Python
1.2”-2” | 3-5 cm
3’-6.5’ | .91-1.98 m
1-3.3 lb | .45-1.5 kg
10-20 years
California Kingsnake
5.000
198.000
1.500
20.00
16400
GUIDE
3D
California Kingsnake
1.6”-3.15” | 4-8 cm
6.5’-10’ | 1.98-3.05 m
26.4-33 lb | 12-15 kg
15-30 years
Carpet Python
8.000
305.000
15.000
30.00
27200
GUIDE
3D
Carpet Python
1.2”-2” | 3-5 cm
24”-40” | .61-1.02 m
.22-.77 lb | .1-.35 kg
10-30 years
Copperhead
5.000
102.000
0.350
30.00
227700
GUIDE
3D
Copperhead
.6”-1.4” | 1.5-3.5 cm
2’-6’ | .61-1.83 m
1-2 lb | .45-.9 kg
10-23 years
Corn Snake
3.500
183.000
0.900
23.00
255000
GUIDE
3D
Corn Snake
1”-1.4” | 2.5-3.5 cm
3.5’-6’ | 1.07-1.83 m
1.1-4.9 lb | .5-2.2 kg
10-34 years
Eastern Black Rat Snake
3.500
183.000
2.200
34.00
1200
GUIDE
3D
Eastern Black Rat Snake
2”-3.9” | 5-10 cm
6.5’-14’ | 1.98-4.27 m
2.2-3.3 lb | 1-1.5 kg
12-19 years
Eastern Green Mamba
10.000
427.000
1.500
19.00
3950
GUIDE
3D
Eastern Green Mamba
1.8”-2.75” | 4.5-7 cm
4’-6’ | 1.22-1.83 m
.9-2 lb | .4-.9 kg
15-20 years
Emerald Tree Boa
7.000
183.000
0.900
20.00
30100
GUIDE
3D
Emerald Tree Boa
3.7”-4.9” | 9.5-12.5 cm
4’-6’ | 1.22-1.83 m
17.6-24.3 lb | 8-11 kg
13-20 years
Gaboon Viper
12.500
183.000
11.000
20.00
140400
GUIDE
3D
Gaboon Viper
3.5”-7.9” | 9-20 cm
10’-30’ | 3.05-9.14 m
100-550 lb | 45-250 kg
10-32 years
Green Anaconda
20.000
914.000
250.000
32.00
77400
GUIDE
3D
Green Anaconda
1.6”-2.4” | 4-6 cm
5’-6.5’ | 1.52-1.98 m
2.4-3.5 lb | 1.1-1.6 kg
12-20 years
Green Tree Python
6.000
198.000
1.600
20.00
58000
GUIDE
3D
Green Tree Python
1”-1.4” | 2.5-3.5 cm
3.5’-5’ | 1.07-1.52 m
4.4-6.6 lb | 2-3 kg
24-32 years
Indian Cobra
3.500
152.000
3.000
32.00
38100
GUIDE
3D
Indian Cobra
3”-3.9” | 7.5-10 cm
6’-9’ | 1.83-2.74 m
2.2-4.4 lb | 1-2 kg
10-20 years
Inland Taipan
10.000
274.000
2.000
20.00
79900
GUIDE
3D
Inland Taipan
3.15”-5.5” | 8-14 cm
10’-18’ | 3.05-5.49 m
11-15 lb | 5-6.8 kg
15-23 years
King Cobra
14.000
549.000
6.800
23.00
353900
GUIDE
3D
King Cobra
2.4”-5.9” | 6-15 cm
5’-21’ | 1.52-6.4 m
165-385 lb | 75-175 kg
15-30 years
Reticulated Python
15.000
640.000
175.000
30.00
75800
GUIDE
3D
Reticulated Python
.4”-.8” | 1-2 cm
16”-38” | 41-97 cm
2.2-3.3 lb | 1-1.5 kg
9-11 years
Ribbon Snake
2.000
97.000
1.500
11.00
21005
GUIDE
3D
Ribbon Snake
.6”-1.2” | 1.5-3 cm
17”-36” | 43-91 cm
.8-1 lb | .36-.45 kg
18-31 years
Rosy Boa
3.000
91.000
0.450
31.00
25030
GUIDE
3D
Rosy Boa
.4”-.6” | 1-1.5 cm
22”-32” | 56-81 cm
.03-.07 lb | 15-30 g
5-15 years
Rough Green Snake
1.500
81.000
0.030
15.00
13300
GUIDE
3D
Rough Green Snake
.4”-1” | 1-2.5 cm
2’-4’ | .61-1.22 m
2-5 lb | .9-2.3 kg
7-15 years
Texas Coral Snake
2.500
122.000
2.300
15.00
7700
GUIDE
3D
Texas Coral Snake
.8”-1.4” | 2-3.5 cm
2’-4’ | .61-1.22 m
.55-1.3 lb | .25-.6 kg
20-25 years
Water Moccasin
3.500
122.000
0.600
25.00
191000
GUIDE
3D
Water Moccasin
1.4”-2.75” | 3.5-7 cm
3’-7’ | .91-2.13 m
2.6-14.8 lb | 1.2-6.7 kg
15-26 years
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
7.000
213.000
6.700
26.00
20800
GUIDE
3D
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Green Anaconda compared to other snakes

Anacondas are the world’s largest snake, weighing up to 500 pounds and ranging from 20-30 feet long. Anacondas can be in regions of South America. Distinguished by their green-yellow skin, this sneaky carnivore takes down wild pigs, deer, turtles, jaguars, etc. They do not carry venom in their teeth, so they hunt is by wrapping their bodies around their prey and strangling them. Because of the anaconda’s stretchy jaw ligaments, there is no limit to what they can swallow. Anacondas hunt on ground and water since they are semi-aquatic and spend most of their times near swamps.

The Green Anaconda has an overall length between 10’-30’ (3.05-9.14 m), body width of roughly 3.5”-7.9” (9-20 cm), and weight from 100-550 lb (45-250 kg). The typical lifespan of the Green Anaconda is between 10-32 years.

Set of scaled top view drawings of the Green Anaconda
Anacondas are the world’s largest snake, weighing up to 500 pounds and ranging from 20-30 feet long. Anacondas can be in regions of South America. Distinguished by their green-yellow skin, this sneaky carnivore takes down wild pigs, deer, turtles, jaguars, etc.

The Green Anaconda has an overall length between 10’-30’ (3.05-9.14 m), body width of roughly 3.5”-7.9” (9-20 cm), and weight from 100-550 lb (45-250 kg). The typical lifespan of the Green Anaconda is between 10-32 years.

Set of scaled top view drawings of the Green Anaconda
Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus)
Height:
Width:
3.5”-7.9” | 9-20 cm
Length:
10’-30’ | 3.05-9.14 m
Depth:
Weight:
100-550 lb | 45-250 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Eunectes murinus
Lifespan
10-32 years

Drawings include:

Green Anaconda top view (assorted)

Details & Downloads

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Atlantic Bushmaster (Lachesis muta)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Atlantic Bushmaster compared to other snakes

The Atlantic bushmaster (Lachesis muta) possesses special consideration making them susceptible to stress hence rarely live long in captivity. As a pit viper, the Atlantic bushmaster belongs to the family Viperidae, native to South America, and would vibrate its tail in defense mode. This venomous snake does well in adjacent fields, cleared areas, and hilly regions. They are the third-longest vipers in the world with bodies in yellow, grey-brown, and red. Their head and snout are broad, neck narrow, and lack canthus, body moderately stout but cylindrical and tapered. Also, they have featured in Greek mythology among the three Fates.

The Atlantic Bushmaster has an overall length between 6.5’-12’ (1.98-3.66 m), body width of roughly 3.15”-5.9” (8-15 cm), and weight from 6.6-11 lb (3-5 kg). The typical lifespan of the Atlantic Bushmaster is between 12-18 years.

Set of scaled top view drawings of the Atlantic Bushmaster
The Atlantic bushmaster (Lachesis muta) possesses special consideration making them susceptible to stress hence rarely live long in captivity. As a pit viper, the Atlantic bushmaster belongs to the family Viperidae, native to South America, and would vibrate its tail in defense mode.

The Atlantic Bushmaster has an overall length between 6.5’-12’ (1.98-3.66 m), body width of roughly 3.15”-5.9” (8-15 cm), and weight from 6.6-11 lb (3-5 kg). The typical lifespan of the Atlantic Bushmaster is between 12-18 years.

Set of scaled top view drawings of the Atlantic Bushmaster
Atlantic Bushmaster (Lachesis muta)
Height:
Width:
3.15”-5.9” | 8-15 cm
Length:
6.5’-12’ | 1.98-3.66 m
Depth:
Weight:
6.6-11 lb | 3-5 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Lachesis muta
Lifespan
12-18 years

Drawings include:

Atlantic Bushmaster top view (assorted)

Details & Downloads

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2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Black Mamba to other snakes

You may need to keep distance when handling the Black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) because they are unpredictable, agile, fast-moving, and highly venomous. This second longest venomous snake is a member of the family Elapidae and common to Sub-Saharan Africa with a body usually in grey or dark brown and prefers dense forest, woodland, rocky slopes, and savannah. A coffin-shaped head and long, cylindrical but slender body ensure the black mamba survives in both terrestrial and arboreal environments. The black mamba’s primary defense mechanism includes hissing, spreading its narrow cobra-like neck-flap, and opening its inky-black mouth, from which it gets its name.

The Black Mamba has an overall length between 6.5’-14’ (1.98-4.27 m), body width of roughly 2”-3.9” (5-10 cm), and weight from 2.2-3.5 lb (1-1.6 kg). The typical lifespan of the Black Mamba is between 10-20 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Black Mamba in various poses
You may need to keep distance when handling the Black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) because they are unpredictable, agile, fast-moving, and highly venomous. This second longest venomous snake is a member of the family Elapidae and common to Sub-Saharan Africa with a body usually in grey or brown.

The Black Mamba has an overall length between 6.5’-14’ (1.98-4.27 m), body width of roughly 2”-3.9” (5-10 cm), and weight from 2.2-3.5 lb (1-1.6 kg). The typical lifespan of the Black Mamba is between 10-20 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Black Mamba in various poses
Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis)
Height:
Width:
2”-3.9” | 5-10 cm
Length:
6.5’-14’ | 1.98-4.27 m
Depth:
Weight:
2.2-3.5 lb | 1-1.6 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Dendroaspis polylepis
Lifespan
10-20 years

Drawings include:

Black Mamba top view (assorted)

Details & Downloads

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2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake to other snakes

The Western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) is also called corn tail, desert diamond-back, diamond-backed rattlesnake, spitting snake, and buzz tail. The snake favors hillsides, steep rocky canyons, desert scrub, grassland desert, and sandy areas. They belong to the family Viperidae and native to the southwest part of North America up to Mexico. These highly aggressive pit vipers’ defense mechanisms include forming an S-shape by lifting the fore body or coiling, rattling, and attacking if those measures do not work. The head is triangular, tail shorter, and a plump body covered either in pink, pale blue, yellowish-gray with a dark diamond shape and pale border down its length. Females give birth to live offspring.

The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake has an overall length between 3’-7’ (.91-2.13 m), body width of roughly 1.4”-2.75” (3.5-7 cm), and weight from 2.6-14.8 lb (1.2-6.7 kg). The typical lifespan of the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is between 15-26 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Western Diamondback Rattlesnake in various poses
The Western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) is also called corn tail, desert diamond-back, diamond-backed rattlesnake, spitting snake, and buzz tail. The snake favors hillsides, steep rocky canyons, desert scrub, grassland desert, and sandy areas. They belong to the family Viperidae.

The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake has an overall length between 3’-7’ (.91-2.13 m), body width of roughly 1.4”-2.75” (3.5-7 cm), and weight from 2.6-14.8 lb (1.2-6.7 kg). The typical lifespan of the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is between 15-26 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Western Diamondback Rattlesnake in various poses
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox)
Height:
Width:
1.4”-2.75” | 3.5-7 cm
Length:
3’-7’ | .91-2.13 m
Depth:
Weight:
2.6-14.8 lb | 1.2-6.7 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Crotalus atrox
Lifespan
15-26 years

Drawings include:

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake top view (assorted)

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Copperhead compared to other snakes

Also called highland moccasin, chunk head, moccasin, pilot snake, and red snake, Copperheads (Agkistrodon Contortrix) favors deciduous forests, low-lying swampy regions and uses caudal luring to attract prey. They are native to eastern North America and belong to the family Viperidae. In defense mode, the Copperhead vibrates its tail or freezes or engages a series of bites when contact is made. Its name comes from its bronze-hued heads and the body color is usually in tan, copper, or grey color with distinct hourglass-shaped hued stripes. As a pit viper, it can detect prey through heat sensors, exhibit facultative parthenogenesis, and give birth to live offspring.

The Copperhead has an overall length between 24”-40” (.61-1.02 m), body width of roughly 1.2”-2” (3-5 cm), and weight from .22-.77 lb (.1-.35 kg). The typical lifespan of the Copperhead is between 10-30 years.

Set of scaled top view drawings of the Copperhead
Also called highland moccasin, chunk head, moccasin, pilot snake, and red snake, Copperheads (Agkistrodon Contortrix) favors deciduous forests, low-lying swampy regions and uses caudal luring to attract prey. They are native to eastern North America and belong to the family Viperidae.

The Copperhead has an overall length between 24”-40” (.61-1.02 m), body width of roughly 1.2”-2” (3-5 cm), and weight from .22-.77 lb (.1-.35 kg). The typical lifespan of the Copperhead is between 10-30 years.

Set of scaled top view drawings of the Copperhead
Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)
Height:
Width:
1.2”-2” | 3-5 cm
Length:
24”-40” | .61-1.02 m
Depth:
Weight:
.22-.77 lb | .1-.35 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Agkistrodon contortrix
Lifespan
10-30 years

Drawings include:

Copperhead top view (assorted)

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

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