Snakes belong to the reptilia class and are scientifically known as Serpentes. They can both scare and intrigue people due to their diverse sizes, shapes, and colours. Found almost everywhere in the world, snakes avoid only Antarctica, Iceland, Ireland, Greenland, and New Zealand. But did you know some incredible facts about snakes may change how you view them? Let’s dive into the top 10 surprising facts about snakes.
10 Fascinating Facts About SnakesÂ
1: There Are Over 3,700 Snake Species
With over 3,700 snake species globally, these limbless reptiles thrive in diverse environments, from tropical rainforests to deserts. The current count stands at 4,038 species, placing snakes second among the largest reptile groups after lizards. From the tiny Barbados thread snake to the massive reticulated python, snakes display incredible variety in size, colour, and habitat preferences. New species continue to emerge, such as the Phalotris Shawnella found in Paraguay in 2022 and a new green anaconda species discovered in the Amazon in 2024, highlighting nature’s ongoing wonders.
2: Snakes Smell With Their Tongues
Yes, even though snakes have nostrils, they smell unique. They use their tongues to detect scents. When a snake flicks its tongue into the air, it picks up small chemical particles. These particles are brought back into the mouth, where they interact with an organ called Jacobson’s or the vomeronasal organ. This organ helps the snake identify the particles, such as dirt, plants, or animals. Snakes rely on their tongues to sense predators or find their next meal. So, their tongues serve both as a tasting and smelling tool.
3: Some Snakes Can Fly
Chrysopelea, or the flying snake, is a genus in the Colubridae family found in Southeast Asia and the Indonesian Archipelago. Though they are called flying snakes, they don’t actually fly; instead, they glide smoothly through the air, often covering distances of up to 300 feet from treetops.
These snakes are mildly venomous, but they do not pose a danger to humans. They use their venom primarily to immobilize small prey. Flying snakes are unique as the only known limbless vertebrates capable of performing such impressive aerodynamic gliding.
4: Snakes Hear With Their Jaw
Snakes can hear despite not having external ears or ear drums. Their cochlea, which processes sound, is connected to their jawbone. When a person walks by, the vibrations from their steps are felt by the snake’s jaw. These vibrations travel to the cochlea, allowing the snake to sense nearby movements, such as prey.
Additionally, since snakes can unhinge their jaws, they may experience stereo hearing, improving their ability to pinpoint sound sources. Snakes can detect vibrations ranging from 50 to 1,000 Hertz, while humans hear between 20 and 20,000 Hertz.
5: Some Snakes Live in the Sea
Sea snakes, part of the cobra family, inhabit the ocean, with around 60 known species. Unlike land snakes, they aren’t suited for life on land. Their bodies are built for swimming, not crawling. On land, they move slowly and are vulnerable. While they can make short movements on land, sea snakes are most at home in the water. Despite sharing a family with land snakes, sea snakes are true marine creatures. Additionally, they rarely cause fatalities since they aren’t aggressive, and their venom output is minimal.
6: Snakes Are Solar-Powered
Yes, it’s true! Like solar panels, snakes depend on the sun to energize themselves. When they bask in the sun’s warmth, they absorb heat that’s crucial for their bodily functions. Without it, they become sluggish, much like a drained battery.
Solar energy is vital not just for comfort but for digestion. In colder areas like Colorado, snakes hibernate during the winter, conserving energy until the sun reappears. Their survival relies on this solar-powered cycle. So, the next time you see a snake soaking up the sun, remember they’re recharging their entire system.
7: Snakes are Carnivores
Snakes are strictly carnivores, meaning they only eat meat. However, their diet differs by species. Some snakes prefer warm-blooded prey such as rodents, rabbits, and birds, while others hunt insects, amphibians like frogs and toads, or even eggs. Certain species may also hunt other reptiles or fish for food. Snakes do not chew their prey; instead, they swallow it whole. They also lack the necessary digestive bacteria to process plants, which do not provide the calories they need. Whether consuming a mouse or a frog, snakes rely on a carnivorous diet to survive.
8: Not All Snakes Lay Eggs
It’s commonly believed that all snakes lay eggs, but that’s not entirely accurate. Around 70% of snakes lay eggs, while the rest, particularly those in colder regions, give birth to live offspring. These snakes, known as ovoviviparous, carry their eggs inside their bodies until they hatch. This method helps protect the eggs from harsh climates that could prevent their survival. While reptiles are generally linked with egg-laying, some snakes adapt to their environment by giving birth to live young.
9: Snakes Don’t Have Eyelids
Unlike humans, snakes lack eyelids. Instead, they have a specialized membrane called the “brille,” which functions like glasses for their eyes. This thin membrane covers and protects their eyes without the need to blink.
Because of this, snakes sleep with their eyes open. This adaptation allows them to stay alert to their surroundings even while resting. While it may seem unusual for us to sleep with our eyes open, it’s simply a natural feature of their biology.
10: Snakes Can Change their Skin
Snakes shed their skin to grow and eliminate parasites attached to it. Unlike humans, a snake’s skin doesn’t stretch as they grow. When it becomes too tight, they must shed it.
Unlike most animals, snakes shed their entire skin at once. This process occurs when their old skin no longer fits or becomes worn out. Shedding helps snakes maintain their health and adapt to their changing bodies.
Conclusion
Snakes are fascinating creatures with unique traits that distinguish them in the animal kingdom. Their diverse species and remarkable abilities, like gliding through the air and sensing vibrations with their jawbones, continue to amaze us. There are countless interesting facts about snakes, some of which we’ve touched on above. The more we explore the world of snakes, the more we uncover, deepening our admiration for these extraordinary animals.
FAQs
What are 5 facts about snakes?
- There are over 3,700 species of snakes around the world.
- Â Snakes use their tongues to smell.
- Â Some snakes can glide from treetops.
- Â They hear through vibrations in their jawbones.
- Â While most snakes lay eggs, some give birth to live young.
Can snakes hear sound?
Yes, snakes can hear sounds through vibrations sensed by their jawbones. This helps them detect movement and potential prey.
Can snakes smell?
Snakes use their tongues to collect chemical particles from the air. This helps them detect scents for navigation and hunting.
Do snakes have eyelids?
Snakes don’t have eyelids. Instead, they possess a specialized membrane called a “brille” that shields their eyes without blinking.
Are snakes carnivores?
Yes, snakes are carnivores. They eat a range of prey, such as rodents, birds, amphibians, insects, and other reptiles, swallowing them whole.