Scientists have described over 3,000 species of snakes. These reptiles can be found almost everywhere except for Ireland, Iceland, Greenland, New Zealand, and Antarctica.
Out of the species that have been identified, 600 are known to be venomous .
Snakes are strict carnivores . Their diet constitutes of rodents, eggs, lizards Koi fish frogs chameleons weasels groundhogs mammals bare-eared squirrel monkeys
What do Snakes Eat? Type of Snake Diet Brahminy Blind Snake Termites, ants, larvae, small beetles, and small earthworms Western Threadsnake Ants, termites, spiders Burmese Python Birds, small mammals (such as Chinchillas Red-tailed Pipe Snake Small snakes, eels, and frogs. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake Birds, small mammals, amphibians Black Mamba Birds, rodents, and squirrels
Snakes Diet by Types All snakes are classified under the suborder Serpentes. The suborder Serpentes is further broken down to 2 infraorders, which are Alethinophidia and Scolecophidia .
The division between the infraorders is based on differences in morphology and the sequence of mitochondria The infraorder Scolecophidia contains snakes which are blind. Thread snakes are also considered under this infraorder. The infraorder Alethinophidia constitutes advanced species. A majority of snakes are classified in the infraorder Alethinophidia . These identified infraorders will be used to understand the different types of snakes that exist, especially when looking at notable examples under each category.
Infraorder Scolecophidia
What Do Brahminy Blind Snakes Eat? Kingdom Order Family Genus Species Animalia Squamata Typhlopidae Ramphotyphlops Ramphotyphlops braminus
The Brahminy blind snake is also referred to as the flowerpot snake. This snake inhabits agricultural and urban areas.
What Do Western Threadsnakes Eat? Kingdom Order Family Genus Species Animalia Squamata Leptotyphlopidae Leptotyphlops Leptotyphlops humilis
This type of snake almost resembles a shiny earthworm thanks to its being small and thin. It inhabits desert scrubs, semidesert grasslands, lower woodlands, below mountainous terrains, low valleys, and canyon bottoms.
Infraorder Alethinophidia
What Do Burmese Pythons Eat? Kingdom Order Family Genus Species Animalia Squamata Pythonidae Python Python bivittatus
birds
This type of snakes has skins that are beautifully patterned. Burmese pythons are notable for their rapid growth rates. The Burmese python is native to Asia, especially the southern and southeastern parts. The snake inhabits grasslands, swamps, and jungles.
What Do Red-tailed Pipe Snakes Eat? Kingdom Order Family Genus Species Animalia Squamata Cylindrophiidae Cylindrophis Cylindrophis ruffus
This type of snake is non-venomous meaning it is not dangerous to humans. The red-tailed pipe snake mostly inhabits moist forests, as well as agricultural soils.
What Do Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes Eat? Kingdom Order Family Genus Species Animalia Squamata Viperidae Crotalus Crotalus atrox
This snake inhabits deserts and Savannah/grasslands. It is commonly found in dry, rocky and shrub terrains, especially in western and central Texas, all the way to South California and New Mexico.
What Do Black Mambas Eat? Kingdom Order Family Genus Species Animalia Squamata Elapidae Dendroaspis Dendroaspis polylepis
This snake is commonly found in riverine forests
How do Snakes Hunt?
They can also detect prey with the help of their pit holes located in front of their eyes and the bones of their lower jaws, which aid in the detection of vibrations from prey. The hunting strategies they use may involve ambushing prey upon detecting it. Some snakes use camouflage to remain unnoticed by their prey, and then they emerge at last minute to capture their prey. Other snakes lure their prey using their tails and then sneak upon them. Another strategy snakes use requires the application of force, where they jump onto their victims and proceed to crush and consume them.
When do Snakes Eat? Most snakes are not particularly diurnal or nocturnal .
They come out when they wish and will tend to eat at their desired time. However, other species like the rattlesnakes are strictly nocturnal and will tend to eat at night.
How often do Snakes Eat? Snakes do not eat as often.
They can eat once a week or every two weeks, while others can go longer. Younger snakes eat more often (twice a week) compared to older ones.
What eats Snakes?
Some notable natural enemies include wild boars, birds of prey
Where do Snakes fit in the Animal Food Chain? Snakes have an instrumental role in the animal food chain. They act as predators and prey and thus help maintain the integrity of a healthy ecosystem
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