10 Fascinating Facts About Snakes

Belonging to class reptilia and with the scientific name Serpentes, snakes can evoke fear and fascination at the same time. They come in many sizes, shapes, and colors and live in nearly every corner of the globe except Antarctica, Iceland, Ireland, Greenland, and New Zealand. 

However, do you know there are some really amazing aspects of snakes that may surprise you? Let’s explore the top 10 facts about snakes that will undoubtedly alter your perception of them.

10 Fascinating Facts About Snakes 

1: There Are Over 3,700 Snake Species

With over 3,700 snake species worldwide, these limbless reptiles dominate various ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to arid deserts. According to the latest count, the total number of snake species is 4038, making them rank second in the list of the largest group of reptiles after lizards. Ranging from the minuscule Barbados thread snake to the colossal reticulated python, snakes exhibit remarkable diversity in size, color, and habitat preference. 

Each discovery, like the Phalotris Shawnella unearthed in Paraguay in 2022 or the new species of green anaconda discovered in the Amazon in 2024, showcases a steady increase in the number of snake species, showcasing nature’s endless marvels.

2: Snakes Smell With Their Tongues

Yes, despite having nostrils, snakes have a unique way of smelling. They use their tongues to smell. When a snake flicks its tongue into the air, it catches tiny chemical particles, which are then brought back into the mouth where they interact with a special organ called the Jacobson’s or vomeronasal organ. This organ helps the snake identify those particles, whether they are dirt, plants, or other animals.

Snakes use their tongue to sense predators or locate their next meal. So, their tongues are not just for tasting but also for sniffing out important information about their surroundings.

3: Some Snakes Can Fly

Chrysopelea, commonly known as the flying snake, is a genus that belongs to the Colubridae family and is found in Southeast Asia and the Indonesian Archipelago. Despite their name, they don’t fly but rather glide gracefully through the air from treetops (as far as about 300 feet). 

The flying snakes are mildly venomous and don’t pose a threat to humans. Instead, they use their venom to incapacitate small prey. They are remarkable for being the only known limbless vertebrates capable of such aerodynamic feats, gliding effortlessly through the treetops.

4: Snakes Hear With Their Jaw

Despite lacking external ears and internal ear drums, snakes possess a full ability to hear. Their cochlea, responsible for sound perception, connects to their jawbone. So, when we walk past a resting snake, the vibrations from our footsteps stimulate its jaw, transmitting signals to the cochlea and then to. This enables the snake to detect movements, like those of potential prey.

Moreover, because snakes can unhinge their jaws independently, they may experience stereo-hearing, enhancing their ability to locate sounds. Snakes have the potential to detect vibrations between 50 and 1,000 Hertz. However, humans can typically hear frequencies between 20 and 20,000 Hertz.

5: Some Snakes Live in the Sea

Sea snakes, belonging to the cobra family, live in the ocean, with around 60 known species. Unlike terrestrial snakes, they are not adapted for life on land. Their bodies are specifically shaped for swimming, not crawling on land. They’re vulnerable and slow when they move onto land. 

Although they are capable of short land movements, sea snakes are most comfortable in water. So, while they share a family with land snakes, sea snakes are truly creatures of the sea. Furthermore, these snakes do not cause fatalities as they are not aggressive, and the venom output is small.

6: Snakes Are Solar-Powered

Yes, it’s true! Like solar panels, snakes rely on the sun to energize themselves. When basking under the sun’s warm rays, they absorb heat, which is vital for their body functions. Without sun, they become sluggish, akin to a drained battery. 

Solar energy is not just for their comfort; it’s essential for digestion. In cold places like Colorado’s chilly winters, snakes hibernate, conserving energy until the sun returns. Their survival hinges on this solar-powered cycle. So, next time you see a snake soaking up the sun, remember they are recharging their entire system.

7: Snakes are Carnivores

Snakes are 100% carnivores, exclusively feeding on meat. However, their diet varies depending on the species. Some prefer warm-blooded meals like rodents, rabbits, and birds, while others prefer insects, amphibians like frogs or toads, or even eggs. 

Some snakes hunt fellow reptiles, while others fish for their food. They don’t chew their meals; instead, they gulp them down whole. Furthermore, snakes lack digestive tract bacteria to break down plants and plants lack calories required to suffice snakes’ need. So, whether it’s gulping a mouse or a frog, snakes rely on their carnivorous appetite to stay nourished.

8: Not All Snakes Lay Eggs

While it’s a common belief that all snakes lay eggs, that’s not entirely true. Approximately 70% of snakes lay eggs, but the rest, particularly those in colder areas, give birth to offspring. These snakes, called ovoviviparous, keep their eggs inside their bodies until they hatch. This reproductive method protects the eggs from harsh climates where they might not survive. 

So, while reptiles are often associated with egg-laying, some snakes defy that expectation, adapting to their environments by giving birth to live offspring instead.

9: Snakes Don’t Have Eyelids

Unlike humans, snakes don’t have eyelids. Instead, they have a special adaptation, a membrane called the “brille,” which acts like glasses for their eyes. This thin membrane covers their eyes, protecting them without the need for blinking. 

Due to the absence of eyelids, snakes sleep with their eyes wide open. This helps snakes maintain awareness of their surroundings even during rest. So, it might sound strange for us to imagine sleeping with our eyes open; for snakes, it’s just a natural part of their unique biology.

10: Snakes Can Change their Skin

Snakes shed their skin as they outgrow it and get rid themselves of parasites that may be attached. Unlike humans, snakes’ skin doesn’t stretch with their growth. When their skin becomes too tight, they must shed it. 

Unlike other animals, snakes shed their skin whole because it no longer fits them or has become worn out. This unique ability helps snakes maintain their health and adapt to the changing bodies throughout their lives.

Conclusion

Snakes are truly fascinating creatures, each having unique traits that set them apart in the animal kingdom. From their diverse species to remarkable abilities like gliding through the air and sensing vibrations with their jawbones, snakes constantly surprise us. There are many more facts about snakes, some of which are discussed above, keeping us surprised. Exploring the world of snakes seems endless, and as we delve, we get to know something new that deepens our admiration for these extraordinary creatures.

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