1. Snakes drink milk.

In one of his detective stories, Arthur Conan Doyle developed the idea that snakes drink milk. Soon this idea became generally accepted. In fact, feeding a snake milk can be fatal, since the snake’s body is not adapted to digest lactose-containing products.

2. When attacked, the snake will definitely bite.

A snake attack is not always accompanied by a bite. Snake venom is not found in the tongue, but in the dental canals. The likelihood of getting poison into your body is only possible through a bite. Snakes are no less afraid of people than people are of snakes. When meeting a person, the snake tries to avoid any contact. But only in case of serious danger she can bite.

3. Before attacking a person, the snake sticks out its tongue.

A common stereotype that comes from watching certain films. Snakes do not have nostrils; the corresponding respiratory tract is located on the tongue. To do this, the snake sticks it out, and this has nothing to do with the attack.

4. Almost all snakes are deadly.

Not all snakes are poisonous; according to research by serpentologists, out of 2.5 thousand species of snakes, only 400 are dangerous. Most of them live in South America.

5. A snake is not dangerous if its teeth are pulled out.

Snake venom is found in the dental canals, so you can temporarily protect yourself by pulling out your teeth. But when the teeth grow back, there is a high probability of receiving a dose of poison from the bite.

6. If a snake sees a person, it will definitely attack.

The snake does not like contact with humans and attacks only in case of danger. As soon as the snake sees a person, it either freezes or begins to hiss and wriggle. Thus she asks to be left alone. If you take a few steps back, the snake will most likely disappear from sight.

7. Snakes eat meat.

Snakes mainly feed on mice, frogs, and some types of reptiles. The king cobra prefers to eat its smaller cousins. Each species has its own preferences and cannot be generalized.

8. All snakes are cold.

The snake is a cold-blooded animal. But her body temperature matches the environment. Unable to constantly maintain their body temperature at the desired level, snakes love to bask in the sun.

9. The body of a snake is slimy.

The snake's body has no pores, so it cannot be slimy. Quite the contrary, the skin feels pleasant and dry to the touch.

10. The snake wraps itself around the trees.

This is connected with the story of the tempting snake, which, according to legend, wrapped itself around a tree trunk. In fact, snakes crawl along the trunk onto tree branches and are located there almost parallel to the ground. They simply lie on the branch without entwining it.

The class of vertebrates that occupy an intermediate position between amphibians and mammals is called reptiles. They are more similar to birds. The following animals belong to this class according to the list:

• crocodiles;
• turtles;
• snakes;
• lizards;
• dinosaurs (fossil form of animals of the Mesozoic era).

General characteristics of reptiles

Like amphibians, reptiles are cold-blooded creatures. In other words, their body temperature is determined by their surroundings. To some extent, reptiles are able to regulate their temperature by covering themselves against hypothermia. For example, in winter time During the year, animals hibernate, and during periods of extreme heat, they begin to hunt at night.

Reptiles have tough skin covered with scales. The main task of which is to protect the body from drying out. For example, in turtles the upper protection is provided by a durable shell, crocodiles have hard plates of bone origin on their head and back.

Reptiles breathe only through the lungs. In some animal species the lungs are the same size and development, while in others, such as snakes and lizards, the right lung has larger size and is located throughout the body cavity. Turtles have fixed ribs due to their shell, so the ventilation of the body is organized in a different way. Air enters the lungs during rocking movements of the front legs or during intense swallowing.

The bony skeleton of reptiles is quite well developed. The number and shape of ribs depends on the specific species, but all representatives of the class have them. Almost all turtles have fused bony plates of the shell and spine. Snakes have ribs designed for active crawling. In lizards, the ribs serve to support fan-shaped membranes for gliding in the air.

Most reptiles have short tongue, which cannot stick out. Snakes and lizards have a long tongue, divided in two, which can extend far from the mouth. For this species of animal these are the most important sense organs.

To protect against environment Small reptiles have original coloring. Turtles are reliably protected by a dense shell. Some snakes are poisonous.

In terms of reproductive organs, reptiles are similar to birds. As a rule, reptiles are oviparous animals. But in some species, eggs remain inside in the oviduct until hatching. This type includes some species of lizards and vipers.

Classification of reptiles and their distribution

Modern reptiles are divided into four groups:

• turtles (about 300 species);
• crocodiles (25 species);
• scaly (about 5,500 species of lizards and snakes);
• tuatara (tuatara).

The last order belongs to the only representative of beaked animals among reptiles.

Reptiles distributed throughout the world. The greatest numbers are seen in warm areas. In regions with a cold climate and a lack of woody vegetation, reptiles are practically not found. Representatives of this class live on land, in water (fresh and salty) and in the air.

Ancient reptile fossils

Reptiles have been known since Carboniferous period. They reached their largest sizes in the Permian and Triassic periods. At the same time, there was an increased reproduction of animals that populated more and more new territories. IN Mesozoic era the dominance of reptiles was overwhelming, both on land and in water. It is not for nothing that this period was called the Age of Reptiles.

Turtles

To one of the most known species reptiles include turtles. There are both marine and land representatives of animals. The species is distributed throughout the world. Animals are also allowed keep at home. The most ancient representatives of turtles were discovered 200 million years ago. Scientists believe that they descended from a primitive species of cotylosaurs. Turtles are practically harmless animals, they are not dangerous to people.

Animals of this species have a shell of a bone structure. On the outside it is formed by numerous separate elements made of horny tissue, which is connected by plates. For breathing land turtles The lungs function well. Aquatic representatives of the class breathe using the mucous membrane of the pharynx. The main feature of these animals is longevity. Average age Turtles have a longer lifespan than any other reptile.

Crocodiles

Animals are among the most dangerous species reptiles. The origin of crocodiles is associated with ancient reptiles, the size of which exceeded 15 meters in length. Scientists have been able to find the remains of ancient crocodiles on all continents of the globe. Modern representatives of this class have more conventional sizes. But among reptiles they still remain the largest species.

Almost all the time crocodiles are in the water. Only the ears, nose and eyes of the animal appear on the surface. Crocodiles swim with the help of webbed tails and paws. But at great depths, only single representatives of the class can exist - the comb species. Crocodiles' nests are located on land. In some cases, they also crawl out of the water to warm themselves.

Reptiles have a strong, powerful tail and are also characterized by high speed of movement on land. Therefore, crocodiles are extremely dangerous to humans. A sudden sudden burst can take people by surprise. Alligators are considered the most dangerous representatives of crocodiles.

Chameleons

This type of lizard is known to almost everyone. Reptiles are known for their unique coloration, which serves as a camouflage feature. An animal's skin can change color depending on environmental conditions. Chameleons live in trees. Some people keep these cute creatures at home.

Reptiles are quite finicky to care for. They need a spacious terrarium, which is equipped with special lamps. You will need wood, a small pond, heated floors and excellent ventilation. Chameleons feed on insects. Therefore, the owners will also have to take care of their availability.

Iguanas

Currently, there are more and more lovers of pets - iguanas. This representative of lizards also requires special care. Iguanas must be kept in a special terrarium that can maintain a certain temperature regime. For food, domestic iguanas prefer fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as greens. At good care and creating optimal living conditions, lizards at home can grow quite large. Maximum iguana weight - 5 kg. It is difficult to keep such a pet at home; it will require a large financial investment, as well as significant labor costs.

Iguanas are one of those rare species reptiles that molt. Most reptiles experience this period in two days, but in iguanas it lasts for several weeks.

Monitor lizards

There are about 70 species of monitor lizards. They live in different territories. The size of the animals is very impressive. Short-tailed monitor lizards have a length of about 20 cm, while other representatives have a much longer length (about 1 meter). The largest monitor lizards are the Komodo species. Their dimensions reach three meters in length, and their weight is 1500 kg. It’s not for nothing that such animals are called modern dinosaurs.

Monitor lizards are covered with large scales. They have strong paws with a tenacious grip and powerful long tail. The animal's tongue is also large in size; at the end it is divided in half. Lizards can only smell with their tongue. The color of animals is dominated by gray and brown shades. Young representatives of the class are often found with spotted or striped scales. Monitor lizards live in regions with warm climates. They are most common in Australia, Africa and southern Asia. Depending on their habitat, monitor lizards are divided into two types. The first of them lives in a desert area with dry trees and shrubs. And the second is located closer to tropical forests and reservoirs. Some representatives of monitor lizards live on tree branches.

Geckos

Unique representatives of reptiles that are able to stick to any surface, even the smoothest. Geckos can climb smooth glass walls, hang from ceilings, and many other interesting things. The lizard is able to stay on the surface with just one paw.

Snakes

This famous representatives reptiles. The main difference from other species is the body shape. Snakes have a long body, but do not have paired limbs, eyelids or an external auditory canal. Some of these characteristics are present in individual lizard species, but collectively such characteristics are only observed in snakes.

Zmeinoye the body consists of three elements:

• head;
• body;
• tail.

Some representatives retained rudimentary forms of limbs. A large number of snake species are venomous. They have grooved or channeled teeth that contain venom. This dangerous liquid comes from the animal's salivary glands. All internal organs snakes differ from standard indicators. They have an oblong shape. Animals do not have a bladder. There is before our eyes cornea, which was formed from fused eyelids. Snakes that are diurnal have a transverse pupil, while nocturnal snakes have a vertical pupil. Because Since animals do not have an auditory canal, they can only hear loud sounds.

Snakes

These are representatives of one of the varieties of snakes. Their main feature is that they are not poisonous. Snakes have bright scales with a large ribbed surface. Animals are common near water bodies. Amphibians and fish serve as food for them. Sometimes snakes manage to catch a bird or small mammal. Such snakes do not kill their prey; they swallow it whole.

If the snake senses danger, it pretends to be dead. And when she is attacked, a liquid with extreme unpleasant smell. Snakes breed on plant soils covered with damp moss or natural debris.

The list of modern reptiles can be continued for a very long time. All representatives of the class have certain similarities characteristic of this type of animal, as well as clear differences. Such animals are of great interest to scientists and hobbyists from all over the world. Their unique features can tell a lot.

Snakes are one of the most mysterious inhabitants of our planet. Primitive hunters, when meeting any snake, hurried to escape from it, knowing that just one bite could doom them to death. Fear helped avoid being bitten, but prevented us from learning more about these mysterious creatures. And where precise knowledge was lacking, the gaps were filled by fantasies and conjectures, which became more and more sophisticated over the centuries. And, despite the fact that many of these reptiles have already been quite well studied, old rumors and legends about snakes, passed down from generation to generation, still dominate the minds of people. To somehow break this vicious circle, we have collected 10 of the most common myths about snakes and refuted them.

Snakes drink milk

This myth became known to many of us thanks to Conan Doyle’s “The Speckled Band.” In fact, trying to feed a snake milk can be fatal: they do not digest lactose at all.

When attacking, snakes sting

For unknown reasons, many people believe that snakes sting with their sharp, forked tongue. Snakes bite with their teeth, like all other animals. Language serves them for completely different purposes.

Before throwing, snakes stick out their tongues threateningly.

As already stated, a snake's tongue is not intended to attack. The fact is that snakes do not have a nose, and all the necessary receptors are located on their tongue. Therefore, in order to better smell the scent of prey and determine its location, snakes have to stick out their tongues.

Most snakes are poisonous

Of the two and a half thousand species of snakes known to serpentologists, only 400 have poisonous teeth. Of these, only 9 are found in Europe. South America has the most venomous snakes - 72 species. The rest are almost equally distributed across Australia, Central Africa, South-East Asia, Central and North America.

You can “safety” a snake by pulling out its teeth

This might actually work for a while. But the teeth will grow back, and the snake during the period of their growth, not being able to express the venom, can become seriously ill. And by the way, it is impossible to train a snake - for them, any person is nothing more than just a warm tree.

Snakes always attack when they see people

Statistics show that most often snakes bite people in self-defense. If a snake hisses and makes threatening movements when it sees you, it means it just wants to be left alone. As soon as you retreat a little, the snake will immediately disappear from view, rushing to save its life.

Snakes can be fed meat

Most snakes eat rodents, but there are species that eat frogs and fish and even insectivorous reptiles. A king cobras, for example, they prefer to eat only snakes of other species. So, what exactly to feed the snake depends only on the snake itself.

Snakes are cold to the touch

Snakes are typical representatives of cold-blooded animals. And therefore the snake's body temperature will be the same as the temperature external environment. Therefore, not being able to maintain optimal body temperature (just above 30 °C), snakes love to bask in the sun.

Snakes covered in mucus

Another story that has nothing to do with snakes. The skin of these reptiles contains virtually no glands and is covered with dense, smooth scales. It is from this pleasant-to-touch snake skin that shoes, handbags and even clothes are made.

Snakes wrap around branches and tree trunks

Quite often you can see the image of the tempting serpent entwining the trunk of the tree of knowledge. However, this has nothing to do with their actual behavior. Snakes climb onto tree branches and lie on them, but they have absolutely no need to wrap their bodies around them.

Snakes are cold-blooded animals belonging to the class of reptiles, the order of snakes proper, in which there are about 2000 species inhabiting all parts of the world. Their body is spindle-shaped, elongated; however, three divisions can be distinguished in it; head, body and tail. The body is covered with smooth scales or with a protrusion in the middle in the form of a keel.

Some of them have the shape of plates or scutes (on the head, belly). All these scaly formations consist of dense horny substance.

A general characteristic of snakes is that they have various types Snake scales are colored in different colors and often have spots. Combinations of color and spots give the appropriate overall tone and pattern typical for this species. Some reptile snakes are colored one, mostly dark color, others carry very bright colors. For some, the pattern is modest, in the form of small spots, sparsely scattered along the body; for others, it represents multi-colored lace.

As studies have shown, the presence of scaly cover, colored in different colors, is a very important factor in the life of snakes. Strong horny scales covering their body like tiles protect snakes well from various injuries. As for the coloring and pattern, they are mostly adapted to the conditions of the surrounding area.

A snake lying motionless can sometimes be difficult to notice. , painted in brownish tones, almost completely merges with the general colors of the sun-scorched steppe. Madagascar boa constrictor and reticulated python have such variegated colors and intertwined patterns that are very suitable for the play of light and shadows in the tropical forests.

The common characteristic of snakes is that the skeleton of snakes is represented by a skull and a spinal column, consisting of 200-430 vertebrae. Starting from II-IV, all vertebrae are equipped with freely ending pointed ribs. These ribs, together with the muscles attached to them, play a large role in movement, especially in burrows and narrow crevices. Leaning now on one or another group of ribs, the snake glides relatively easily in narrow passages.

The snake's skull consists of a small braincase and movable bones that make up the jaw apparatus. Due to the fact that reptile snakes quite often swallow very large prey, not only the bones of the jaw apparatus are mobile, but also other bones of the oral cavity (palatine, pterygoid, scaly and transverse). All these bones are connected to each other by highly tensile ligaments.

The mechanism that straightens and folds the poisonous teeth of some species of snakes is also very unique. When the mouth opens, the poisonous teeth straighten, and when closed, they fold and touch the palate. when worn out and broken, they are replaced with new ones (new teeth are constantly being formed and are at various stages of development in the upper jaw of the snake up to a fully formed tooth).

The muscles of snakes, like those of all other cold-blooded animals, are pale. In addition to the numerous intercostal muscles lying transverse to the snake’s body, there are also longitudinal ones. The muscles of boas are the most powerful. With the help of this muscle, boas are able to strangle even large and strong animals, as well as humans. However, attacks by a boa constrictor on humans are extremely rare.

Due to the fusiform shape of the body, the internal organs of the snake are correspondingly elongated. The esophagus and stomach have strong muscles. The genitourinary system is highly elongated. The lungs are asymmetrical, and in poisonous snakes and some grass snakes the left lung is completely atrophied and there is only one right lung. In vipers, the back of the windpipe is greatly expanded. It has the same structure as the right lung and is actively involved in the act of breathing.

Essentially this so-called tracheal lung plays even higher value in the process of breathing than the lung itself. The windpipe in snakes, in the form of a tube, extends into the oral cavity almost to the anterior edge. This device protects the snake from possible suffocation when swallowing food for a long time.

The act of swallowing itself occurs when food is abundantly wetted with saliva. The food is swallowed whole, greatly distending the esophagus and stomach if it is large enough. In addition to food, many reptile snakes also need water. The spinal cord of a snake is significantly larger in mass than the brain.

When characterizing snakes, it is necessary to say about their sense organs, that their sense of touch is quite well developed. The function of touch is performed mainly by the tongue. The thin, long, forked tongue at the end received the undeserved name of the sting among the people. Since ancient times, this “sting” was considered the poisonous apparatus of a snake. And even now, some people who are little familiar with snakes continue to regard it as a poisonous organ.

However, it has been proven that the language of snakes is similar to the language of all other animals. Its main purpose has also been clarified. It has been established that in general it performs tactile rather than gustatory functions and in this regard provides an invaluable service to snakes. With the help of their tongue, reptile snakes identify all the objects they encounter on their way.

The organ of vision of snakes, the eye, plays an important role in their life. The iris is colored in different colors. In some species it is red, in others yellow, in others brown. Some have a round pupil, others have a slit-like pupil. A round pupil is mainly observed in snakes that lead a diurnal lifestyle, while a slit-shaped pupil is mainly observed in snakes that hunt at night. Snakes' sense of smell is well developed. They navigate odors and, to a certain extent, distinguish between the more subtle ones. It is even believed that snakes can follow the trail of their prey and find it.

Snakes lead an aquatic, terrestrial, and some species of snakes lead an underground lifestyle. Some of them are most active in daytime, others hunt mainly at dusk. What reptiles have in common is that they are all cold-blooded animals, so some of them living in countries with temperate climate, with the onset of cold weather, they climb into deep holes and fall asleep until spring.

This state is scientifically called suspended animation. A decrease in snake activity is observed not only in cold weather, but also in very hot weather. summer days in the tropics, when the soil is hot and Sun rays burn. At such times, reptile snakes go into deep shadows, into soil crevices and burrows and remain motionless, losing activity.

The general characteristics of snakes indicate that they are all predatory animals, but the nature of food varies among different species and ages. Some types of snakes prey on lizards, others on rodents, others on birds, others on fish, and so on. Many eat lizards, rodents, and birds. Young snakes mostly chase insects, since they cannot cope with large prey.

Snakes destroy many animals that serve them as food, but they can also starve for a long time. They also do not feed throughout the winter, when they are in a state of suspended animation (hibernation). Fasting can last 7-8 months or even more. The ability for long-term fasting is not the same among different species.

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Snakes (lat. Serpentes) are representatives of a suborder belonging to the class Reptiles and the order Scaly. Despite the fact that some species of snakes are poisonous, currently most reptiles of this suborder belong to the category of non-venomous cold-blooded animals.

Description of snakes

The ancestors of snakes are considered to be lizards, the descendants of which are represented by iguana-shaped and fusiform modern lizards. During the evolution of snakes, very significant changes occurred that affected external characteristics and species diversity of such representatives of the suborder from the class Reptiles.

Appearance, coloring

Snakes have an elongated body, without limbs, with an average length from 100 mm to ≥700 cm, and the main difference from legless species of lizards is the presence of a movable jaw connection, which allows the reptile to swallow its prey whole. Among other things, snakes lack movable eyelids, an eardrum and a pronounced shoulder girdle.

The body of snakes is covered with scaly and dry skin. Many species of such reptiles are characterized by the adaptation of the skin in the abdomen to reliable adhesion to the surface of the earth, which greatly facilitates movement. The skin is replaced during the process of peeling or molting in one layer and always simultaneously, reminiscent of the process of turning a stocking inside out.

This is interesting! The eyes are covered with special transparent scales or so-called fixed eyelids, so they are practically always open, even when the snake is sleeping, and immediately before molting the eyes acquire Blue colour and become cloudy.

Many species differ quite significantly in shape and total number scales located in the head, back and abdomen, which are often used to accurately identify a reptile for taxonomic purposes. The most developed snakes have wide stripes of dorsal scales corresponding to the vertebrae, making it possible to count all the vertebrae of the animal without opening it.

Adults tend to change their skin only once or a couple of times during one year. However, for younger individuals that continue to grow quite actively, it is typical to change their skin four times a year. The skin shed by a snake during molting is an ideal imprint of the reptile's outer covering. Based on intact shed skin, it is usually quite possible to easily determine whether a snake belongs to a certain species.

Character and lifestyle

Behavioral characteristics and lifestyle depend on the type of cold-blooded reptile. For example, roller snakes are distinguished by a semi-burrowing lifestyle, making passages in soft soil, exploring other people's burrows, climbing under the roots of plants or in cracks in the ground.

Ground boas lead a secretive or burrowing, so-called burrowing lifestyle, therefore they are accustomed to spending a significant part of their time underground or burrowing in forest floor. Such snakes come to the surface only at night or in the rain. Some types of earthen boas are able to crawl quite easily and quickly even on tall trees or bushes.

Pythons live primarily in savannas, tropical forest areas and swampy areas, but some species live in desert areas. Quite often, pythons are found in close proximity to water; they are able to swim well and even dive. Many species are excellent climbers of tree trunks, so almost entirely arboreal species that are active at dusk or at night are well known and studied.

Radiant snakes lead a semi-underground, so-called burrowing lifestyle, therefore in daytime hours prefer to hide under stones or in relatively deep burrows. Often such cold-blooded reptiles burrow under the forest floor or dig holes in soft soil, from where they emerge to the surface only at night. Representatives of the family are typical inhabitants rain forests, ordinary gardens or rice fields.

This is interesting! Some species have special protective mechanisms, so when danger appears, they curl up into a tight ball and use “voluntary bloodletting,” in which drops or streams of blood are released from the eyes and mouth.

American worm-like snakes typically live under the forest floor or fallen tree trunks, and their secretive lifestyle does not allow us to accurately determine biological features and the total number of such snakes.

How long do snakes live?

It is generally accepted that some species of snakes are quite capable of living up to half a century, while only cold-blooded reptiles kept in captivity become long-livers. According to numerous observations, pythons live no more than a hundred years, and most other species of snakes live about 30-40 years.

snake poison

In our country, there are currently only fourteen species of snakes that belong to the category of poisonous cold-blooded animals. Most often, a person suffers from a bite from a viper or representatives of the Aspid family. Snake venom contains proteins and peptides that have different levels complexity, as well as amino acids, lipids and many other components. Also, snake venom contains enzymes that can easily break down human tissue, due to their toxic effects.

The enzyme hyaluronidase promotes the breakdown of connective tissue and the destruction of small capillaries. A feature of phospholipase is the cleavage of the lipid layer of red blood cells with their subsequent destruction. For example, viper venom contains both enzymes, and therefore has a destructive effect on circulatory system with the formation of blood clots and general circulatory disorders. The neurotoxins contained in the poison quickly cause paralysis of the respiratory muscles, which provokes the death of a person as a result of suffocation.

However, snake venom, represented by a colorless and odorless yellowish liquid, has many medicinal properties. The poisons secreted by cobra, viper and viper are used for medical purposes. Ointments and injections are used in the treatment of pathologies associated with musculoskeletal system, for the treatment of bruises and injuries, rheumatism and polyarthritis, as well as radiculitis and osteochondrosis. The venoms of viper and viper are included in hemostatic drugs, and cobra venom is a component of painkillers and sedatives.

Scientists are conducting a number of experiments aimed at studying the effects of snake venom on cancerous tumors. The properties of such a substance are being actively considered as a means to relieve and prevent the development of heart attacks. However, the main use of snake venom for medical purposes is still the production of serums that are administered to the bites of such cold-blooded reptiles. In the process of making serums, the blood of horses that have been injected with small portions of poison is used.

Types of snakes

According to The Réptile Database, at the beginning of last year, just over 3.5 thousand species of snakes were known, united in more than two dozen families, as well as six main superfamilies. Moreover, the number of species of poisonous snakes is approximately 25% of the total number.

The most famous types:

• monotypic family Aniliidae, or Rolled snakes - have a cylindrical body with a very short and blunt tail, covered with small scales;
• family Bolyeriidae, or Mascarene boas - distinguished by the maxillary bone, which is divided into a pair of parts, movably connected to each other;
• family Tropidorhiidae, or Ground boas - cold-blooded animals that do not have a left lung but have a tracheal lung;
• monotypic family Acrochordidae, or warty snakes - have a body covered with granular and small scales that do not cover each other, so you can observe the presence of areas of bare skin;
• monotypic family Cylindrophiidae, or Cylindrical snakes - distinguished by the absence of teeth on the premaxillary bone, as well as the presence of small and well-developed eyes, not covered by a shield;
• family Uropeltidae, or Shield-tailed snakes - have excellent mobility and a very variegated body color with a metallic tint;
• monotypic family Lochocemidae, or Mexican Ground Pythons - are distinguished by a rather thick and muscular body, a narrow and spade-shaped head, dark brown or grayish-brown scales with a purple tint;
• family Pythonidae, or Pythons - characterized by a variety of colors, as well as the presence of rudiments of the hind limbs and pelvic girdle;
• monotypic family Xenopeltidae, or Radiant snakes - have a cylindrical body and a short tail, a head covered with large shields, as well as smooth and shiny scales with a characteristic rainbow tint;
• the Boidae family, or false-legged snakes, are among the heaviest snakes in the world, reaching almost a hundred kilograms in weight, including;
• the most numerous family Colubridae, or Colubridae - differ significantly in average length, as well as body shape;
• the extensive Elaridae family, or Aspidaceae, have a slender build, smooth dorsal scales, varied colors and large symmetrical scutes on the head;
• Viperidae family, or Viperidae - Poisonous snakes, characterized by the presence of a pair of relatively long and completely hollow fangs, used to secrete a toxic poison produced by special glands;
• family Anomalerididae, or American worm-like snakes - small in size and non-venomous cold-blooded animals, no more than 28-30 cm long;
• family Tyрchloridae, or Blind Snakes, are small worm-like snakes with a very short and thick, rounded tail, usually ending in a sharp spine.

This is interesting! The symbiosis of blind snakes with owls, which bring them into the hole with their chicks, is well known. Snakes destroy the feathered insects that swarm in the home, thanks to which the owls grow up healthy and strong.

Extinct families of snakes include Madtsoiidae, including Sanajeh indicus, which lived more than sixty million years ago.

Range, habitats

Snakes have mastered almost any living space on our planet. Cold-blooded reptiles are especially widespread in the tropics of Asia and Africa, in the southern part of America and in Australia:

• Roll snakes - South America;
• Bolherids - Round Island near the island of Mauritius;
• Ground boas - southern Mexico, Central and South America, Antilles and Bahamas;
• Warty snakes - southern and southeastern Asia, New Guinea, Australia and India;
• Shield-tailed snakes - Sri Lanka, Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia;
• Mexican Ground Pythons - Wet rainforests and dry valleys;
• Radiated snakes - southeastern Asia, the Malay Archipelago and the Philippines;
• Pseudal snakes - tropical, subtropical and partly temperate zones in the eastern and western hemispheres;
• Colubridans - absent in the polar regions of our planet;
• Asps - tropics and subtropical regions in all parts of the world, with the exception of Europe;
• American worm snakes - central and southern parts of America.

Snakes prefer hot areas climatic conditions, where they can live in forests, deserts and steppes, in foothills and mountainous areas.

Diet of snakes

The diet of snakes is very varied. For example, warty snakes prefer to feed exclusively on fish, and the basis of the diet of shield-tailed snakes are earthworms, as well as many small, terrestrial lizards. Mexican ground pythons feed on rodents and lizards, as well as iguana eggs. Pythons most often prey on a variety of mammals. Large pythons are capable of hunting even birds and some lizards.

The youngest pythons eat quite a lot of small rodents and lizards with great pleasure, sometimes feeding on frogs. Pythons catch prey with their teeth, and also simultaneously compress their body rings. Radiant snakes are excellent hunters, actively destroying small snakes, a large number of rodents, frogs and birds, and the diet of representatives of the Aspid family is very diverse.

Snakes from the Elaridae family can also eat mammals, birds and snakes, lizards and frogs, as well as fish, but many of the representatives are able to feed on almost any type of suitable food. American worm snakes often prey on small invertebrates.

This is interesting! Prey is swallowed whole by pythons, which is due to the structural features of the jaw apparatus, but if necessary, such reptiles are able to go without food for almost a year and a half.

It should be noted that non-venomous species of snakes swallow their prey exclusively alive, but can first kill their prey by squeezing it with their jaws and pressing their whole body firmly to the surface of the earth. Boas and pythons prefer to suffocate their prey in body coils. Poisonous species snakes deal with their prey by injecting poison into its body. The toxin penetrates the victim through the specialized poison-conducting teeth of such a cold-blooded reptile.