Purple snakes are a particular category that snake lovers admire for their flashy purple color.
These animals are rare and admired creatures among snake lovers due to their unique color. They are further categorized into different species based on differentiation in their habitat and scientific classification.
An Intriguing Overview
The most intriguing feature of these snakes is the flashy royal purple color which makes them much-loved creatures despite their deadly venom. Luckily though, not all species are venomous.
Typically, these snakes are small to medium-sized with slender and sinuous bodies pierced with yellow eyes. The yellow eyes on their flashy purple-colored body create a fantastic contrast, making them even more eye-catching.
Also, their unique behaviors, such as communal denning habits and mating balls during the breeding season, are equal causes for fascination.
Moreover, these unique-colored snakes do not reside only in jungles; they can be found in varied habitats, such as forests, grasslands, wetlands, etc. Just like their habitat, their diet is not limited to one prey. It typically consists of insects, worms, and small mammals.
Purple Garter Snake (Thamnophis Sirtalis)
One of the most common species of purple snakes is the Purple Garter Snake, scientifically known as Thamnophis sirtalis. This species belongs to the order Squamata, suborder Serpentes, of the family Colubridae and genus Thamnophis.
As a typical feature of purple snakes, they are known for their iridescent purple or blue scales. Another characteristic is their communal denning habits and mating balls during the breeding season.
Notably, this particular species is non-venomous and feeds on various prey such as worms, insects, raccoons, skunks, and small fish. They are commonly found in North America in various habitats, including woodlands, fields, and marshes.
Purple-Glossed Snakes (Amblyodipsas spp.)
Amblyodipsas is a genus of snakes found in Africa, often known as purple-glossed snakes or glossy snakes (ref). Currently, 9 species are recognized.
Although rear-fanged, all species are considered harmless, but their venom has not been well studied. These snakes have a very short maxillary with five teeth gradually increasing in size, followed by a large grooved fang situated below the eye after an interspace. The mandibular teeth decrease in size posteriorly.
They have a small head not distinct from the neck, a minute eye with round pupil, a single very small nasal nostril, no internasals, no loreal, no preocular, and no anterior temporal.
The body is cylindrical with smooth dorsal scales without pits. The tail is very short and obtuse, with subcaudals in two rows.
Fascinating Purple Snake Facts
Here are some more intriguing facts about these gemstone-like reptiles:
- The iridescent scales on their bodies appear purple or blue in the sunlight, which makes them wondrous creatures of the animal kingdom.
- The mangrove pit viper has a distinctive purple coloration on its head, which is meant to act as a warning sign to predators.
- The communal denning habits of purple garter snakes help gather a large number of snakes together in a single hibernating spot.
- Purple garter snakes are also known for their ‘mating balls,’ where many males gather around a single female during the breeding season. (ref)
- The purple pit viper is an arboreal species that uses its venom to catch birds, lizards, and other small animals.
- Purple snakes can adapt to different environments, including tropical regions, rainforests, deserts, and scrublands.
- Some species are venomous, whereas some are non-venomous.
So there you have it – a fascinating look at the world of purple snakes. Keep an eye out for these colorful serpents the next time you’re exploring their diverse habitats.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.