Snakes are fascinating animals, their striking colors, their curious way of moving and their voracious appetite impress anyone. Since ancient times, these reptiles have been part of the culture of many societies, becoming one of the most famous and studied animals by science.
There are thousands of different species all over the planet, each one with its own characteristics. Have you ever wondered how big they can get? If the answer is yes, you're in luck! On our site we bring you this list with the 10 largest snakes in the world Keep reading!
1. Rattlesnake
Under the name Crotalus is a genus of venomous snakes found mainly in North America. They live in coastal regions or in forests with sandy areas. This species is easy to recognize by its rattle, which is located at the tip of the tail and with which it emits a sound as a warning signal for possible predators. They can reach measuring 2.5 meters long and weighing up to 4 kilos, making them one of the largest and most dangerous snake species in the world.
For more information, consult the article with the most poisonous snakes in the world.
two. King Cobra
The king cobra, also called Ophiophagus Hannah, is one of the most beautiful and impressive snakes in the world, as its diverse colors and Its large size makes it an elegant specimen of the animal kingdom. This reptile can reach measure 3.7 meters long, although there are specimens of up to 5 meters. It has better vision than other snakes, allowing it to focus more efficiently on its prey.
3. Mute Rattlesnake
The mute rattlesnake, or Lachesis muta, is a venomous snake that can be found in Central and South America. It is famous for being one of the largest vipers in the world. Its poison is lethal even in young specimens, so extreme care must be taken when handling it or when encountering it. Its skin is brown with long black spots on the upper part, and a cream color on the abdomen. Its tail has a small bell that vibrates when it feels threatened.
The mute rattlesnake can reach measuring up to 3-4 meters, although it is usually around 2.
4. Boa constrictor
The boa constrictor, with the same scientific name, is a snake native to America. It is considered one of the most popular species among lovers of exotic pets, although their breeding in captivity is discouraged, as they are very dangerous. In terms of size, their young can measure between 30 and 40 centimeters in length, reaching the impressive size of up to 5 meters in length in adulthood, this being another of the largest snakes in the world.
6. Diamond Python
The Morelia spilota spilota, diamond python or diamond python, is a species native to Australia that can be found both in coastal areas and in mountainous regions. It has an intense olive green color, with spots with a black border and a yellowish center. Their size varies between 3 and 4 meters long, although some specimens of 6.8 meters have been found.
6. Green Anaconda
The green anaconda (Eunectes murinus) is a snake belonging to the boa family that can be found throughout South America. It is considered the heaviest species among snakes, with a maximum of 98 kilosBecause of this, it preferably lives underwater.
The skin is dark green on top, with black spots in the form of circles that surround the entire body. The size varies depending on the gender: females measure between 4 and 5 meters, while males reach only 2 to 3.5 meters. In this way, it is the heaviest snake in the world but not the longest.
7. Australian Amethyst Python
The Simalia amethistina, or Australian amethyst python, is a snake that reaches an impressive 8, 5 meters long As its name suggests, is native to Australia, although it can also be found in New Guinea; It usually rests in high places, such as the tops of trees. As part of its diet, it is able to taste animals four times its size, such as birds, dogs, deer and even people, constituting another of the largest and most feared snakes in the world.
8. Seba Python
Python sebae, Seba's python or African python, is a reptile native to Africa, being the largest snake on the continent. It feeds on goats, gazelles, deer, among other animals. It can measure up to 8 meters long and weigh about 110 kilos.
9. Indian Python and Burmese Python
Python molurus, or Indian python, is a scaly snake that is 6 meters long long and weighs about 95 kilos, which is why it is part of the list of the 10 largest snakes in the world. It lives in areas close to rivers, as it spends most of the time in the water. However, it is also capable of climbing trees quite agilely. It feeds on small crocodiles, birds, pigs, among other animals.
With a similar size and appearance, we also find the Burmese python (Python bivittatus), found mainly in Southeast Asia, which it can reach measuring up to 8 meters, although it is usually below this figure.
10. Reticulated Python
The reticulated python, or Malayopython reticulatus, is a snake native to the Asian continent, which lives in humid forests or areas where there is water nearby. It can measure up to 8 meters in length. They are very agile, so they tend to climb trees very easily, as well as manage on all types of terrain. They feed on quite large animals such as monkeys, deer and even leopards, and it is considered to be the longest snake in the world