Image:YoungCopperhead.jpgA snake charmer during a performance in Jaipur, India
Discover great deals on the many hard to find and one of a kind items available only on ebay!

This site contains sponsored affiliate links.

Snake

Snakes are cold blooded legless reptiles closely related to lizards, which share the order Squamata. There are also several species of legless lizard which superficially resemble snakes, but are not otherwise related to them. more...

HomeHome
AmphibianAmphibian
ArthropodArthropod
BirdBird
CatCat
DinosaurDinosaur
DogDog
FishFish
MammalMammal
MythologicalMythological
ReptileReptile
GeckoGecko
LizardLizard
SnakeSnake
TortoiseTortoise
TurtleTurtle


A love of snakes is called ophiophilia, a fear of snakes is called ophidiophobia (or snakephobia). A specialist in snakes is an ophiologist.

An old synonym for snake is serpent; in modern usage this usually refers to a mythic or symbolic snake, and information about such creatures will be found under serpent (symbolism). This article deals with the biology of snakes.

Evolution

The phylogeny of snakes is poorly known due to the fact that snake skeletons are typically small and fragile, making fossilization unlikely. It has however been generally agreed, on the basis of morphology, that snakes descended from lizard-like ancestors. Recent research based on genetics and biochemistry confirms this; snakes form a venom clade with several extant lizard families.

Morphology further suggests that the likeliest ancestors were related to mosasaurs — extinct aquatic reptiles from the Cretaceous — which in turn are thought to have derived from varanid lizards. Under this hypothesis, the fused, transparent eyelids of snakes are thought to have evolved to combat marine conditions (corneal water loss through osmosis), while the external ears were lost through disuse in an aquatic environment, ultimately leading to an animal similar in appearance to sea snakes of today. In the Late Cretaceous, snakes re-colonized the land much as they are today. The best fossil snake remains are from Late Cretateous marine sediments, which supports this hypothesis. Similar skull structure; reduced/absent limbs; and other anatomical features found in both mosasaurs and snakes lead to a positive cladistical correlation, though some features are also shared with varanids. Supposedly similar locomotion for both groups is also used as support for this hypothesis.

An alternative hypothesis is that snakes directly evolved from burrowing lizards, either varanids or some other group. One extant analog of these putative ancestors is the earless monitor Lanthanotus of Borneo, although it also is semi-aquatic. As these ancestors became more subterranean, they lost their limbs and became more streamlined for burrowing. Features such as the transparent, fused eyelids and loss of external ears, according to this hypothesis, evolved to combat subterranean conditions (scratched corneas, dirt in the ears). As with the marine origin hypothesis, snakes re-emerged onto the surface of the land much as they are today. Fragmentary remains that have been found from the Early Cretaceous may refute either hypothesis. Further insight will no doubt also come from more detailed genetic studies.

The great diversity of modern snakes appeared in the Paleocene, probably correlated with the adaptive radiation of mammals following the extinction of the dinosaurs.

Feeding

All snakes are carnivorous, eating small animals including lizards and other snakes, rodents and other small mammals, birds, eggs or insects. Some snakes have a venomous bite which they use to kill their prey before eating it. Other snakes kill their prey by constriction resulting in death by strangulation. Still others swallow their prey whole and alive.

Snakes do not chew their food and have a very flexible lower jaw, the two halves of which are not rigidly attached, and numerous other joints in their skull (see snake skull), allowing them to open their mouths wide enough to swallow their prey whole, even if it is larger in diameter than the snake itself. Contrary to the popular myth, at no point do they "unhinge" their jaws (disarticulate their mandibular joints).

After eating, snakes become torpid while the process of digestion takes place. Digestion is an intensive activity, especially after the consumption of very large prey, and so much metabolic energy is involved that Crotalus durissus, the Mexican rattlesnake, may actually raise its body temperature as much as 6 degrees above the surrounding environment. Because of this, a snake disturbed after having eaten recently will often regurgitate the prey in order to be able to escape the perceived threat. However, when undisturbed, the digestive process is highly efficient, dissolving and absorbing everything but hair and claws, which are excreted along with uric acid waste. Snakes have been known to occasionally die from trying to swallow an animal that is too big.

Snakes do not normally prey on people, but there are instances of small children being eaten by large constrictors in the jungle. While some particularly aggressive species exist, most will not attack humans unless startled or injured, preferring instead to avoid contact. In fact, most snakes are non-venomous or have venom that is not harmful to humans.

Skin

The skin is covered in scales. Most snakes use specialized belly scales to move, gripping surfaces. The body scales may be smooth, keeled, or granular. Their eyelids are transparent "spectacle" scales which remain permanently closed. They shed their skin periodically. Unlike other reptiles, this is done in one piece, like pulling off a sock. It is thought that the primary purpose of this is to remove external parasites. This periodic renewal has led to the snake being a symbol of healing and medicine, as pictured in the Rod of Asclepius. In "advanced" (Caenophidian) snakes, the broad belly scales and rows of dorsal scales correspond to the vertebrae, allowing scientists to count the vertebrae without dissection. If there is not enough humidity in the air while snakes are shedding their skin, it can be very dangerous for the snake, because the dry skin does not shed. Skin that remains attached to the snake can harbour diseases and parasites. A tail tip that is not removed can constrict as the snake grows, cutting off the blood supply to the end of the tail causing it to drop off. A retained spectacle can cause the snake to become blind in the affected eye.

Perception

While snake vision is unremarkable (generally being best in arboreal species and worst in burrowing species), it is able to detect movement. Some snakes, like the Asian vine snake, have binocular vision. In most snakes, the lens moves back and forth within the eyeball to focus. In addition to their eyes, some snakes (pit vipers, pythons, and some boas) have infrared sensitive receptors in deep grooves between the nostril and eye which allow them to "see" the radiated heat. As snakes have no external ears, hearing is restricted to the sensing of vibrations, but this sense is extremely well developed. A snake smells by using its forked tongue to collect airborne particles then passing them to the Jacobson's organ in the mouth for examination. The fork in the tongue gives the snake a sort of directional sense of smell.

Read more at Wikipedia.org


[List your site here Free!]

1 New Black Coiled Rain Forest Rubber Snake Toy Reptile Fake Jungle Snake 36"1 New Black Coiled Rain Forest Rubber Snake Toy Reptile Fake Jungle Snake 36" $6.25 Zilla Terrarium Rock Lair Realistic Snake Reptile Shelter Hideaway Decor MediumZilla Terrarium Rock Lair Realistic Snake Reptile Shelter Hideaway Decor Medium $29.95
Hand Painted Realistic Looking Plastic Pvc Very Long 52" Brown Snake ReptileHand Painted Realistic Looking Plastic Pvc Very Long 52" Brown Snake Reptile $7.95 Reptile Hide Box Small Resin Reptile Cave Snake Hide XyzreptilesReptile Hide Box Small Resin Reptile Cave Snake Hide Xyzreptiles $15.99
Fluker's Bend A Branch Small Reptile Snake 1/8" By 6 Foot Flexible Vine DecorFluker's Bend A Branch Small Reptile Snake 1/8" By 6 Foot Flexible Vine Decor $8.95 3 New Rain Forest Rubber Snakes Pretend Jungle Snake 14" Toy Reptile3 New Rain Forest Rubber Snakes Pretend Jungle Snake 14" Toy Reptile $6.45
New Listing11.8' Reptile Vines For Climbing Branch,Snake Climbing Branch Aquarium HabitatNew Listing11.8' Reptile Vines For Climbing Branch,Snake Climbing Branch Aquarium Habitat $12.11 Reptile Aquarium Terrarium Cage Divider Frog Gecko Iguana Bearded Dragon SnakeReptile Aquarium Terrarium Cage Divider Frog Gecko Iguana Bearded Dragon Snake $5.00
ReptiChip Reptile Substrate Coconut Chip Block for Snake and Lizard BeddingReptiChip Reptile Substrate Coconut Chip Block for Snake and Lizard Bedding $34.95 Premium Aspen Snake Bedding Reptile Substrate 4 Quarts, 8 Quarts, 12 QuartsPremium Aspen Snake Bedding Reptile Substrate 4 Quarts, 8 Quarts, 12 Quarts $10.99 to
Safari Ltd Horned Viper Creature Snake Reptile Figure Animal MiniatureSafari Ltd Horned Viper Creature Snake Reptile Figure Animal Miniature $2.99 Snake Feeding Tongs Stainless Steel Reptile Feeding Tongs 8 inchSnake Feeding Tongs Stainless Steel Reptile Feeding Tongs 8 inch $9.99
Reptile Hook 18" Premium Quality Rubber Non Slip Handle Green Snake Hook ToolsReptile Hook 18" Premium Quality Rubber Non Slip Handle Green Snake Hook Tools $9.99 Critter Condo Reptile Bearded Dragon Cage 48x24x24B Lizard, Snake, T5Ho Light!Critter Condo Reptile Bearded Dragon Cage 48x24x24B Lizard, Snake, T5Ho Light! $325.00
Cobra Snake Safari Ltd Large Fantasy Children's Toy Reptile Plastic PaintedCobra Snake Safari Ltd Large Fantasy Children's Toy Reptile Plastic Painted $14.94 Snake Skeleton Paperweight 1/2 Lbs Reptile Collector Taxidermist Unique GiftSnake Skeleton Paperweight 1/2 Lbs Reptile Collector Taxidermist Unique Gift $89.00
47" Snake Tongs Reptile Catcher Stick Grabber Wide Jaw Handling Tool Heavy Duty47" Snake Tongs Reptile Catcher Stick Grabber Wide Jaw Handling Tool Heavy Duty $25.99 Reptile Mister Gecko Food Cups Water Bowl Snake Reptile Ledge Mealworm ContainerReptile Mister Gecko Food Cups Water Bowl Snake Reptile Ledge Mealworm Container $7.99 to
12pcs Figure Toys Plastic Mini Lizard Reptile Snake Animal Model Reptiles12pcs Figure Toys Plastic Mini Lizard Reptile Snake Animal Model Reptiles $3.99 Green Garter Snake, Rubber Reptile, Realistic Toy Model Figure, 10" F3595 B363Green Garter Snake, Rubber Reptile, Realistic Toy Model Figure, 10" F3595 B363 $4.59
39” Collapsabile Snake Hook Reptile Herp Stick Catcher Heavy Duty Handling Tool39” Collapsabile Snake Hook Reptile Herp Stick Catcher Heavy Duty Handling Tool $10.89 Reptile Enclosure Up to 4x2x2Ft Stackable Enclosure Snake Tank 120 Gallon CageReptile Enclosure Up to 4x2x2Ft Stackable Enclosure Snake Tank 120 Gallon Cage $239.99 to
Snake Climbing Branch, Reptile Wood Natural Cork Log Habitat DecorationSnake Climbing Branch, Reptile Wood Natural Cork Log Habitat Decoration $13.22 Large Tank Cage Reptile Pet Enclosure Lizard Spider Snake Tortoise Breeding Box!Large Tank Cage Reptile Pet Enclosure Lizard Spider Snake Tortoise Breeding Box! $35.04
Rectangular Hide Box for Reptiles & Snakes - Durable Plastic - by Jungle BobRectangular Hide Box for Reptiles & Snakes - Durable Plastic - by Jungle Bob $6.99 to 47" Reptile Snake Tongs Stick Grabber 120cm Snake Catch Pro Herp Handing Tool47" Reptile Snake Tongs Stick Grabber 120cm Snake Catch Pro Herp Handing Tool $29.99
Medium Humid Hide Bearded Dragon Crested Gecko Reptile Lizard Snake ball pyth.Medium Humid Hide Bearded Dragon Crested Gecko Reptile Lizard Snake ball pyth. $15.00 Gecko Snake Underground Cave Reptile Tank Decor Enrichment Accessories SuppliesGecko Snake Underground Cave Reptile Tank Decor Enrichment Accessories Supplies $12.99 to
Reptile Hide Box for Snake Gecko Lizard Hideout Durable Secure Guarding Cave UsReptile Hide Box for Snake Gecko Lizard Hideout Durable Secure Guarding Cave Us $7.99 47" 52" Foldable Reptile Snake Tongs Stick Grabber Catcher Pick-up Handling Tool47" 52" Foldable Reptile Snake Tongs Stick Grabber Catcher Pick-up Handling Tool $25.99
47" Heavy Duty Snake Tongs Grabber Catcher Stick Foldable Reptile Handling Tool47" Heavy Duty Snake Tongs Grabber Catcher Stick Foldable Reptile Handling Tool $25.99 57”/ 39” Snake Reptile Hook Catcher Stick Retractable Handling Tool Heavy Duty57”/ 39” Snake Reptile Hook Catcher Stick Retractable Handling Tool Heavy Duty $9.99 to
Heavy Duty Snake Hook Stainles Steel 30″ Long, Reptile Catcher Stick, Jaw HandleHeavy Duty Snake Hook Stainles Steel 30″ Long, Reptile Catcher Stick, Jaw Handle $34.99 Northern Ringneck Snake, Rubber Reptile, Realistic Model, Toy 5" F2045 B39Northern Ringneck Snake, Rubber Reptile, Realistic Model, Toy 5" F2045 B39 $4.79
Red Corn Snake, Rubber Reptile, Realistic Model Gift Toy 11" F1731 B222Red Corn Snake, Rubber Reptile, Realistic Model Gift Toy 11" F1731 B222 $4.79 12 New Rain Forest Rubber Snakes Toy Reptile Fake Pretend Jungle Snake 6" Size12 New Rain Forest Rubber Snakes Toy Reptile Fake Pretend Jungle Snake 6" Size $7.25
52" Snake Tongs Heavy Duty Stick Reptile Rattlesnake Catcher & Grabber Sn-0152" Snake Tongs Heavy Duty Stick Reptile Rattlesnake Catcher & Grabber Sn-01 $39.99 Large Reptile Hide Bearded Dragon Crested Gecko Reptile Lizard Snake ball pyt.Large Reptile Hide Bearded Dragon Crested Gecko Reptile Lizard Snake ball pyt. $15.00
60' Foldable Snake Tongs Reptile Grabber(Heavy duty stainless steel snake tong)60' Foldable Snake Tongs Reptile Grabber(Heavy duty stainless steel snake tong) $29.98 Snake / Reptile Hook Herp Tool With Golf Handle - 30"Snake / Reptile Hook Herp Tool With Golf Handle - 30" $24.70
Snake Water Bowl Llizard Food Dish Spider Food Water Dish Reptile Water DishSnake Water Bowl Llizard Food Dish Spider Food Water Dish Reptile Water Dish $7.78 Reptile Hook 18." Premium Quality Rubber Non Slip Handle Black Snake Hook ToolsReptile Hook 18." Premium Quality Rubber Non Slip Handle Black Snake Hook Tools $9.99
12pcs Simulation mini Snake Reptile Animal Miniature Art Toy Figure Doll12pcs Simulation mini Snake Reptile Animal Miniature Art Toy Figure Doll $12.89 Small Hide 5.5"x3.75" Reptile Lizard Bearded Dragon Crested Gecko Snake Plast.Small Hide 5.5"x3.75" Reptile Lizard Bearded Dragon Crested Gecko Snake Plast. $8.00
Cloth Snake Bag - 12" x 16" Bearded Dragon Crested Gecko Reptile Lizard Snake.Cloth Snake Bag - 12" x 16" Bearded Dragon Crested Gecko Reptile Lizard Snake. $5.50 to (3) Green Reptile Snake Toys 2 1/2" - 4"(3) Green Reptile Snake Toys 2 1/2" - 4" $8.99
Ri Novelty -Reptile Adventure Planet - Rubber Banded Rock Rattle Snake (48 inch)Ri Novelty -Reptile Adventure Planet - Rubber Banded Rock Rattle Snake (48 inch) $9.89 Medium Reptile Hide Bearded Dragon Crested Gecko Reptile Lizard Snake ball py.Medium Reptile Hide Bearded Dragon Crested Gecko Reptile Lizard Snake ball py. $12.00
47" Heavy Duty Snake Tongs Reptile Grabber Catcher Handling Tool &39" Hook &Bag47" Heavy Duty Snake Tongs Reptile Grabber Catcher Handling Tool &39" Hook &Bag $9.99 to 47” Reptile Snake Tongs Catcher Grabber Hook Stick Handling Tool Lock Heavy Duty47” Reptile Snake Tongs Catcher Grabber Hook Stick Handling Tool Lock Heavy Duty $25.99
New ListingSet of 2 Exo Terra Reptile Snake Crab Lizard Hiding Cave Rock 6 1/2"New ListingSet of 2 Exo Terra Reptile Snake Crab Lizard Hiding Cave Rock 6 1/2" $13.50 Reptile Stopper Snake & Reptile Repellent, Safe, Effective, Weather ProofReptile Stopper Snake & Reptile Repellent, Safe, Effective, Weather Proof $20.04
Exo Terra Reptile Tower~Lizard Snake Hide~Extra Large~Exo Terra Reptile Tower~Lizard Snake Hide~Extra Large~ $20.00 Heavy Duty Snake Tongs Reptile Grabber Catcher Handling Tool Wide Jaw 24" LongHeavy Duty Snake Tongs Reptile Grabber Catcher Handling Tool Wide Jaw 24" Long $39.99
Jungle Bobs Round Reptile Hide Box - Black Snake & Amphibian Terrarium Hides S-LJungle Bobs Round Reptile Hide Box - Black Snake & Amphibian Terrarium Hides S-L $9.99 to Jungle Bob 8-Piece Ball Tipped Sex Probe Reptile & Snake Variety Sexing ProbesJungle Bob 8-Piece Ball Tipped Sex Probe Reptile & Snake Variety Sexing Probes $17.99
47" Heavy Duty Snake Tongs & Hook Reptile Grabber Catcher Stick Tool Hunting Bag47" Heavy Duty Snake Tongs & Hook Reptile Grabber Catcher Stick Tool Hunting Bag $10.99 to
Click to see more Snake items at www.ebay.com
Prices current as of last update, 01/18/25 3:35pm.

Home Contact Resources Exchange Links eBay