Characteristics of snakes

Characteristics of snakes

There are snakes that can measure from 10 cm to 10 meters in length. The skeleton of these amazing reptiles is composed of a large number of vertebrae. For example, pythons have 400 of these bony structures, while vipers have only 200.

If it is the jaws, the vast majority of snakes have very strong muscles, capable of devouring huge prey in a few hours. In addition, the upper jaw is not tightly fixed to the skull, which gives it greater flexibility to swallow large animals in one piece.

Another feature common to snakes is the absence of limbs, although it has been found that pythons and boas have very tiny limbs on the back (however, do not participate in locomotion, but in reproductive work).

On the other hand, the tail of these cold-blooded animals represents 20% of the length of their body, and this in turn is covered by a skin of scales. The eyelids of snakes are also transparent scales and are always closed.

Every so often, the skin is renewed at one time, something that allows snakes to eliminate parasites and recover from wounds.

Size: 10 cm - 6 meters




Class: Sauropsida




Order: Squamata




Scientific name: Serpentes




Number of species: 3500




Weight: 200 grams - 100 kilograms




Longevity: 9 years




Feeding: Carnivore




Diet: All kinds of animals




Reproduction: Ovípara




Distribution: The entire planet except Antarctica




Incubation period: 2 - 5 months




Origin: 280 million years