Top 10 Largest Snakes in the World You Probably Haven't Heard Of

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1. Boa Constrictor

2. Scrub Python

3. Indian Python

4. African Rock Python

5. Reticulated Python

6. Burmese Python

7. King Cobra

8. Papua Python

9. Dark-spotted Anaconda

10. Yellow Anaconda

1. Boa Constrictor

The Boa Constrictor is a reptile from the snake suborder, belonging to the Boa family. With a moderate size and weight, it is considered medium-sized compared to other large snakes. They are often found in captivity, but in the wild, they thrive near rivers and streams in regions of America, as well as on some Caribbean islands. The Boa Constrictor is sexually dimorphic, meaning females are generally larger than males by 10–15kg. This species is known for its various color patterns, including brown, gray, cream, and reddish-brown, which help them blend into the dense jungle environment. There are currently ten recognized subspecies, although some of them are the subject of debate. These snakes are solitary by nature and rarely interact with others of their species, except during mating season. They are nocturnal but will sunbathe during the day if temperatures drop at night. While they are capable of climbing trees to hunt, they are mainly ground dwellers. Like most snakes, Boa Constrictors do not initiate attacks but will coil and strike in self-defense when threatened. Their bite can cause pain and bleeding but is not typically life-threatening to humans. The Boa Constrictors found in Central America tend to be more temperamental, while those in South America are generally more calm and manageable. These snakes usually reach lengths of 3 to 13 feet (0.91 to 3.96 meters), depending on their environment and prey, with females tending to grow longer than males, often exceeding 10 feet (3 meters), especially in captivity, where they can grow up to 12 feet (3.7 meters) or even 14 feet (4.3 meters).

Boa Constrictor

2. Scrub Python

The Python is a snake species belonging to the Pythonidae family, with its name derived from the Greek language, first used in the 1580s. Pythons can grow up to 9 meters in length and weigh over 60 kilograms, making them relatively slow-moving creatures. However, they rely on their camouflage, patience, and immense strength to successfully hunt prey. The Scrub Python is a non-venomous snake found in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Australia. It is one of the six largest python species in the world, capable of reaching lengths of more than 8.5 meters. These pythons primarily prey on birds, bats, rodents, marsupials, and small mammals. A 4.6-meter-long scrub python was captured by snake expert David Barwell after it infiltrated a chicken coop in Queensland, Australia. Previously, the snake had been stealing chickens from the area and managed to climb a tree to escape when experts arrived. Barwell estimated the snake was about 20 years old. "This is one of the largest pythons I’ve seen in the past two years," Barwell said. Scrub pythons are capable of killing even dangerous animals such as crocodiles and kangaroos. They often hunt large prey, such as smaller kangaroos and even household pets. One terrifying incident occurred when a woman in Queensland, Australia, witnessed a 4.2-meter scrub python trying to swallow her 22-month-old son, Naish. Experts believe that if Amanda Rutland had not intervened in time, the giant snake would have devoured the child. According to the Courier Mail, Rutland believes the python had been watching Naish for weeks before launching the attack on the porch of their home.

Scrub Python

3. Indian Python

The Indian Python, also known as the Indian rock python, is found primarily in India and parts of Southeast Asia. This snake is lighter in color than the Burmese python and usually reaches lengths of about 3 meters (9.8 feet). Indian pythons live in forests, scrublands, and areas near farmland, and they rarely inhabit dense jungles. They are skilled at stalking and ambushing prey, using a quick strike to capture their meal. Active mainly at night, they spend their days resting in trees during the hot seasons or in burrows and termite mounds during the colder months. Although these pythons don't pose a serious threat to adults, they can be dangerous to small children. They feed on a wide range of vertebrates, from medium-sized mammals like wild boar and deer to smaller creatures such as birds, frogs, and rodents. The Indian Python can also help control rodent populations, making it beneficial for agricultural areas. In the wild, they typically grow to an average length of 3.7 meters (12 feet), but they can reach up to 5.74 meters in exceptional cases. These pythons are excellent swimmers and thrive in areas with abundant water. They are found in grasslands, marshes, valleys, rocky hillsides, and forests with plenty of crevices. As strong climbers, they can use their tails to grip and climb. The Indian Python hunts by ambushing prey and constricting it until it suffocates, then swallowing it whole. They are also very skilled swimmers.

Indian Python

Indian Python (Python molurus)

4. African Rock Python

The African Rock Python holds the title of the largest snake in Africa. Reaching lengths of up to 7.5 meters (25 feet), this giant constrictor kills its prey by wrapping around it and suffocating it. They typically hunt animals the size of antelopes and have even been known to attack crocodiles. An adult African Rock Python can weigh up to 113 kilograms (250 pounds). Scientifically known as Python sebae, this massive snake is found across sub-Saharan Africa, stretching from Senegal to Ethiopia and Somalia, and covering countries like Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Ghana, Nigeria, Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, and many others. There are two recognized subspecies of the African Rock Python. This species is incredibly aggressive and has been known to attack humans, sometimes even swallowing children and adults. In certain African cultures, the snake is referred to as the "man-eating python" due to its terrifying behavior. A unique feature of this snake is that it possesses two lungs, unlike other pythons, which have only one. Additionally, it still has two tiny, vestigial legs, remnants of the evolutionary ancestors of reptiles. The African Rock Python preys on a variety of animals, including monkeys, antelope, large rodents, poultry, dogs, goats, and sheep. It is also known to invade villages to hunt humans and livestock. This python is highly adaptable and can live in a wide range of habitats, including grasslands, dense forests, deserts, semi-deserts, rocky hillsides, wetlands, rivers, and lakes.

African Rock Python

5. Reticulated Python

Reticulated Python has a long, slender head, typically yellowish or brown in color, with a faint dark stripe running from its snout to its neck, merging with a darker patch along the back. A second dark stripe extends from behind its eyes to the corners of its mouth. Its body and tail are adorned with intricate dark markings that resemble eyes, set against a yellow-brown backdrop. The underside is pale yellow, often speckled with faint spots. These snakes can reach impressive lengths of up to 6.95 meters (22.8 feet), making them significantly longer than the world's heaviest snake, the anaconda. In fact, the Reticulated Python is the longest snake on the planet, with some individuals growing up to 9-10 meters long, although their bodies remain relatively slim. Like all pythons, they lack venom, killing their prey by constriction. While capable of killing a human, attacks are exceedingly rare, and the species is not considered a significant threat to people.

As an adept swimmer, the Reticulated Python can migrate to smaller islands near the coast. Due to its vast distribution, it exhibits a variety of colors and sizes. Those found in zoos tend to have brighter, more vibrant markings, but in the wild, where they reside in dense, shadowy forests, their patterns provide excellent camouflage against the backdrop of fallen leaves and organic debris. This form of camouflage, known as "disruptive coloration," helps the snake evade predators and remain unnoticed by its prey. In the early 20th century, Reticulated Pythons were even found in the busiest areas of Bangkok, sometimes preying on domestic animals. In the wild, their diet includes a wide variety of mammals and birds. Smaller individuals (3-4 meters) typically feed on rodents like rats, while larger pythons hunt for civets, monkeys, and even pigs.

Reticulated Python

6. Burmese Python

Burmese Python, also known as the Indian rock python (scientific name: Python molurus bivittatus), was once considered a subspecies of the Indian python until 2009, when scientists confirmed it as a separate species. It is one of the six largest snake species in the world and is native to a variety of tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast and South Asia. Burmese pythons are commonly found near water and are occasionally semi-aquatic, but they are also capable of living in trees. In the wild, their average length is about 3.7 meters (12 feet), but they can grow as long as 5.74 meters. This species is distributed throughout Southeast Asia, including northeastern India, southern Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, northern Malaysia, and parts of southern China such as Fujian, Jiangxi, Guangdong, Hainan, Guangxi, and Yunnan.

The Burmese python is also found in Hong Kong and Indonesia, including Java, southern Sulawesi, Bali, and Sumbawa. They are frequently encountered near wetlands and swamps, and while they are semi-aquatic, they can also be arboreal. As a skilled swimmer, they require access to water sources. The Burmese python has also established an invasive population in the Florida Everglades, with numbers reaching a minimal viable population after Hurricane Andrew in 1992 destroyed a breeding facility, leading to the escape of these snakes. Over 1,330 individuals have been captured in the Everglades. Furthermore, between 1996 and 2006, the Burmese python became a popular pet, with over 90,000 snakes imported into the United States.

Burmese Python

7. King Cobra

King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), also known as the hamadryad, is a venomous snake of the Elapidae family, mainly found in tropical forests from India to Southeast Asia. This species is endangered due to habitat destruction and has been listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 2010. The King Cobra holds the title of the longest venomous snake, with an average length of 3.18 to 4 meters, though the longest recorded specimen reached 5.85 meters. Despite its name, the King Cobra is not classified in the genus Naja (true cobras), but rather in its own genus, Ophiophagus. Its primary diet consists of other snakes, including members of its own species. When snake prey is scarce, it may also consume small vertebrates such as lizards and rodents. The King Cobra is considered a dangerous and fearsome predator in its range, though it typically avoids human confrontation.

The King Cobra holds a prominent place in the mythology and folklore of India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, being revered in Hindu beliefs across the Indian subcontinent. It is also the national reptile of India. Adult King Cobras generally grow to a length of 3.18 to 4 meters (10.4 to 13.1 feet) and weigh around 6 kilograms (13 pounds). The longest specimen ever recorded was housed at the London Zoo and grew to approximately 5.6 to 5.7 meters (18 to 19 feet) before it was euthanized during World War II. In 1951, the heaviest wild specimen, captured by the Royal Club of Singapore, weighed 12 kilograms (26 pounds) and measured 4.8 meters (15.7 feet). By 1972, a captive specimen at the New York Zoo weighed 12.7 kilograms (28 pounds) and measured 4.4 meters (14.4 feet). The King Cobra exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males being larger and displaying lighter coloration during the breeding season.

King Cobra

8. Papua Python

The Papua Python (scientific name: Apodora papuana) is one of the largest pythons in the world. Native to New Guinea, these impressive snakes can grow up to 4.39 meters (14.4 feet) in length and weigh as much as 22.5 kilograms (50 pounds). Their size is truly astonishing. Papua Pythons belong to the large snake family and are primarily found on the islands of Fergusson and New Guinea. Despite their massive size, they are relatively slow-moving and do not pose a threat to humans.

The Papua Python can change its body color during the breeding season or when it feels threatened. Their color can range from dark black to mustard yellow, though they typically appear olive-green in their youth, darkening as they mature. These snakes are nocturnal hunters, preying on other snakes and small mammals. The Papua Python was first discovered in 1878, and one of its most unique features is its striking blue tongue.

Papua Python

9. Dark-spotted Anaconda

The Green Anaconda, scientifically known as Eunectes murinus, is a massive water-dwelling snake native to South America. First described by Linnaeus in 1758, this snake holds the title as the heaviest and one of the longest living snakes on Earth. Anacondas are known for their powerful constriction method of hunting, where they ambush and coil around their prey, squeezing until it succumbs before swallowing it whole. Their teeth curve inward, and though they lack venom, their jaw structure—capable of opening up to 180°—enables them to consume large animals.

Green Anacondas are found predominantly in the Amazon Basin, thriving in the tropical rainforests of South America. They are semi-aquatic and rarely climb trees due to their immense size. While slightly shorter than the reticulated python, the Green Anaconda is far more robust, capable of matching the strength of a much longer reticulated python. These snakes can reach lengths of up to 5.21 meters (17.1 feet), with females typically larger than males, averaging 4.6 meters (15.1 feet) compared to males at 3 meters. Although their weight varies, they typically range from 30 to 70 kilograms (66 to 154 pounds). The heaviest confirmed specimen, measured by Dr. Jesús Antonio Rivas, reached 5.21 meters and weighed 97.5 kilograms (215 pounds).

Dark-spotted Anaconda

10. Yellow Anaconda

The Yellow Anaconda, also known as the Paraguayan Anaconda or Beni Anaconda (scientific name: Eunectes notaeus), is a non-venomous constrictor snake found in South America. First described by Cope in 1862, it is native to the region. Like all anacondas, it subdues its prey by coiling around it and squeezing tightly. This species has no recognized subspecies. Typically, adult Yellow Anacondas range from 3.3 to 4.4 meters (10.8 to 14.4 feet) in length, with females being larger than males, sometimes reaching up to 4.6 meters (15.1 feet). They generally weigh between 25 and 35 kg (55 to 77 lb), although some individuals have been recorded at over 55 kg (121 lb).

Yellow Anacondas are capable swimmers, reaching speeds of up to 20 km/h and can remain submerged for up to 20 minutes. Like other snakes, they shed their skin regularly. Females give birth to live young, with each litter containing between 10 to 50 offspring, though there are reports of up to 100 newborns. The young are born approximately 75 cm (2.5 feet) long and weigh about 250 grams.

At birth, Yellow Anacondas are fully independent, often leaving their mother just hours after birth. Despite their slow movement on land, they rely on their camouflage and ambush tactics to capture prey. With few natural predators, Yellow Anacondas can live up to 10-12 years in the wild, and up to 30 years in captivity. Adult Yellow Anacondas can grow to lengths of 9 meters (29.5 feet) and weigh as much as 550 kg (1,212 lb), rivaling the size of the reticulated python. Though primarily aquatic, they do not feed on fish, preferring larger prey such as caimans, other snakes, goats, and even jaguars.

Yellow Anaconda

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main characteristics of the Boa Constrictor?

The Boa Constrictor is a medium-sized snake with a range of color patterns like brown, gray, and reddish-brown. It typically grows to lengths of 3 to 13 feet, with females generally being larger than males. They are solitary and nocturnal but will sunbathe during the day when it's cooler.

How do Scrub Pythons hunt and what are their prey?

Scrub Pythons primarily prey on birds, bats, rodents, and small mammals. They use their camouflage, patience, and immense strength to ambush their prey. Despite being slow movers, their ability to climb and strike quickly makes them effective hunters.

Where are Indian Pythons found and how do they hunt?

Indian Pythons are found in forests, scrublands, and farmland areas of India and Southeast Asia. They are excellent ambush predators, preying on medium-sized mammals and birds. These pythons are also skilled swimmers and climbers.

What makes the African Rock Python unique and dangerous?

The African Rock Python is the largest snake in Africa, reaching lengths of up to 7.5 meters. Known for its strength and aggression, it preys on animals like monkeys, goats, and even crocodiles. Its adaptability allows it to live in diverse habitats.

How does the Reticulated Python kill its prey?

The Reticulated Python kills its prey by constriction, using its powerful body to squeeze the life out of its victim. Despite its size, it is not venomous and instead relies on strength to overpower prey such as rodents, civets, and monkeys.

Where can you find Burmese Pythons and how do they live?

Burmese Pythons are native to Southeast Asia and are semi-aquatic, often found near wetlands. They can grow up to 5.74 meters long and are skilled swimmers. The species is also found in the Florida Everglades due to invasive introductions.

What makes the King Cobra dangerous to humans?

King Cobras are venomous and can reach lengths of 4 meters. Though they primarily avoid humans, they are capable of delivering a fatal bite. They typically hunt other snakes and have an impressive ability to strike at high speeds when threatened.

What are the physical characteristics of the Papua Python?

The Papua Python is a large snake that can grow up to 4.39 meters in length. It has an olive-green coloration that darkens with age, and it features a blue tongue. This species is native to New Guinea and is nocturnal.

How do Yellow Anacondas catch and consume their prey?

Yellow Anacondas use their ambush tactics to capture prey, primarily large mammals like goats and caimans. They constrict their prey to suffocate it before swallowing it whole. Despite their slow movement on land, they are agile swimmers capable of reaching high speeds.

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