Feb 3, 2026 · Classified with lizards in the order Squamata, snakes represent a lizard that, over the course of evolution, has undergone structural reduction, simplification, and loss as well as …

Introduction A snake is a reptile with a long, slender body but no arms or legs. Snakes are closely related to lizards. There are about 2,900 species, or kinds, of snake. The best-known snakes include …

Snakes, which are also called serpents, are characterized by their long, limbless bodies. They are among the best-known animals of the world. Because some snakes can be…

black mamba, (Dendroaspis polylepis), species of mamba snake known for its large size, quickness, and extremely potent venom. It lives in sub-Saharan Africa and is one of the continent’s most dangerous …

Feb 2, 2026 · There are nearly 3,000 species of snakes distributed nearly worldwide. The following is a list of some of the major genera and species of snake, organized alphabetically by family.

Coral snake, any of more than 100 species of small, secretive, and brightly patterned venomous snakes of the cobra family (Elapidae). Most species are tricolored (rarely bicolored), with various …

Feb 3, 2026 · Their body is usually slender, the body shape correlated with the activity level. The vertebral column has more vertebrae than any other living animal—up to 600. Snakes are covered …

Jan 17, 2026 · The world’s largest venomous snakes are the king cobras, or hamadryads, which are four species that constitute the genus Ophiophagus. Found predominantly in forests from India through …

There are two groups: the true sea snakes (subfamily Hydrophiinae) and the sea kraits (subfamily Laticaudinae). Although their venom is the most potent of all snakes, human fatalities are rare.

Jan 9, 2026 · King cobra, genus of reptiles containing the world’s largest venomous snakes. The snake’s maximum confirmed length is 5.6 metres (18 feet), but most do not exceed 3.6 metres (12 …