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Class Reptilia Order Squamata

Biology and History:

Snakes evolved about 140 million years ago very successfully from lizards and are classified with these reptilian cousins in the Order Squamata. They have expanded across the globe to now live in every conceivable habitat on earth. There are approximately 2,700 species of snakes in the world. Only 300 of these worldwide are dangerously venomous. The only realy dangerous snakes in the United States are the pit vipers of the Family Viperidae. Some vipiridae, such as the rattlesnake, sidewinder, and massasaugas have rattles. Other pit vipers have no rattles and are commonly known as the copperhead and water moccasin. Another Family of poisonous snakes in the United States is the Elapidae. This family includes two genera of coral snakes with toxic venom.

All snakes are legless and have no eyelids; their eyes being covered by a scale (called a brille) that is shed with every molt. Some snakes are nocturnal others are diurnal. Most snakes are terrestrial, but some are arboreal and others are aquatic.

Snakes capture prey in various ways and swallow it whole, usually head first. Some snakes capture with venomous bites. Consequently, the venomous snakes tend to conserve their venom for the capture of prey and are reluctant to inflict venomous bites for defense. The bones of the jaw of a snake can dislocate to allow for the swallowing of prey twice the size of the diameter of their own head. Snakes feed on frogs, salamanders, crawfish, earthworms, slugs, insects, spiders, rodents, lizards, eggs, birds, and other snakes.

Snakes begin breeding within 2 to 3 years of age. Most snakes are oviparous (lay eggs) and lay a large number of tough but flexible eggs. The eggs may increase in size slightly to accommodate the growth of the embryo. Baby snakes must release themselves from their egg membrane with a temporary egg tooth. Other snakes, such as garter snakes, water snakes, and rattlesnakes, are ovoviviparous (eggs hatch internally) and the female gives birth to live young. Once baby snakes emerge, they are on their own. The young snakes scatter, or may be eaten by mom and/or pop, and fend for themselves. There is no familial relationship among snakes. A newborn snake can strike within minutes of birth although it is too young to have much venom.