The world of snakes is full of surprises. There are over 3500 species1 with some having features that look almost otherworldly.
So, what are these weird snakes, and what makes them so strangely unique?
1. Tentacled Snake (Erpeton tentaculatum)
The Tentacled Snake is native to Southeast Asia and stands out due to its unusual appearance. What makes it particularly strange is the pair of tentacle-like appendages on its snout.
These tentacles are used to help the snake detect vibrations in the water, which is essential for locating prey. The snake’s adaptation to an aquatic lifestyle and its method of hunting, which involves using its tentacles to feel for prey in muddy waters, adds to its uniqueness.
2. Flying Snakes (Chrysopelea spp.)
Flying Snakes are remarkable for their ability to glide through the air. There are five species in the Chrysopelea genus, all of which possess the ability to flatten their bodies and create a kind of “wing” to glide from tree to tree.
This is achieved by spreading their ribs and using their scales to help control their flight path. Their gliding ability is not true flight but rather a controlled descent, making them one of the most unusual and adept climbers and gliders in the snake world.
3. Dragon Snake (Xenodermus javanicus)
The Dragon Snake, found in Southeast Asia, gets its name from its dragon-like appearance. Its most distinctive feature is its heavily keeled scales that give it a spiky, armored look.
This armor is not just for show—it helps the snake blend into its environment and provides some protection from predators. The Dragon Snake’s unusual appearance, combined with its secretive nature and burrowing habits, makes it a particularly strange and intriguing species.
4. Hairy/Spiny Bush Viper (Atheris hispida)
The Hairy Bush Viper is notable for its distinctive, bristly appearance. Native to Africa, this viper is covered in spiny, protruding scales that give it a “hairy” look.
These scales are believed to serve multiple purposes: they may help in camouflage among the leaf litter and add a layer of protection against predators. The viper’s unusual appearance and its venomous nature, combined with its striking coloration, make it one of the more bizarre and visually intriguing snakes.
5. Rattlesnakes (Crotalus spp. & Sistrurus spp.)
Rattlesnakes are perhaps the most well-known for their distinctive rattle at the end of their tail. This rattle is made up of segments of keratin that produce a buzzing sound when shaken, which serves as a warning to potential threats.
With 36 species across two genera, rattlesnakes come in a variety of sizes, colors, and patterns. Their unique method of warning predators, along with their potent venom and heat-sensing pits, makes them one of the most interesting and recognizable groups of snakes.
6. Vine Snakes (Ahaetulla spp.)
Eighteen species of Vine Snakes are remarkable for their elongated, slender bodies and vibrant green coloration, which help them blend seamlessly into their arboreal habitat. With their prehensile tails and sharp, pointed snouts, they resemble the vines and branches they live among.
This camouflage is crucial for hunting and avoiding predators. Their long, thin bodies and the ability to mimic the appearance of vegetation make them stand out as one of the most visually distinctive and specialized snakes.
7. Desert Horned Viper (Cerastes cerastes)
The Desert Horned Viper is easily recognizable by the prominent, horn-like projections above its eyes. These “horns” are actually modified scales and are thought to provide some protection against the harsh desert environment by deflecting sand and debris.
They may also help in camouflage by breaking up the outline of the snake’s head. This viper’s ability to thrive in arid, sandy environments, combined with its distinctive horns and cryptic coloration, make it a particularly unusual and well-adapted species.
8. Blind Worm Snake (Indotyphlops braminus)
The Blind Worm Snake, also known as the Brahminy Blindsnake, is unique because of its almost completely subterranean lifestyle and its lack of functional eyes. Its small, burrowing body and smooth, shiny scales are adapted for a life spent digging through the soil.
The absence of visible eyes is a direct adaptation to its underground existence, where vision is less useful. The Blind Worm Snake’s size, behavior, and eyeless appearance make it a fascinating example of adaptation to a specialized habitat.
9. Sea Snakes (Hydrophiinae subfamily)
Sea Snakes are highly adapted to life in the marine environment. They are distinguished by their flattened, paddle-like tails, which make them excellent swimmers.
Many species have evolved to live almost exclusively in the sea, and they possess adaptations such as salt-excreting glands to handle the saltwater environment.
Sea Snakes are also noted for their potent venom, which is used to capture prey in the ocean. Their aquatic lifestyle, specialized adaptations, and often vibrant coloration make them some of the most unusual and intriguing snakes.
10. Hognose Snakes (Heterodon spp., Leioheterodon spp., Lystrophis spp.)
Hognose Snakes are known for their distinctive upturned snouts, which they use to dig in the soil. This distinctive feature is particularly useful for burrowing and foraging.
When threatened, hognose snakes exhibit dramatic defensive behaviors, including flattening their necks, hissing loudly, and even playing dead. Hognose snakes are especially interesting because of their unique look and behavior.
Their special features, along with their different colors and patterns, make them stand out among other snakes.
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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.