Non-Venomous Snakes

Venomous Snakes and Non-Venomous Snakes

Geographical Location

The first thing a person should do when identifying snakes is understanding the geographical location of the find. Once the geographical area has been identified, its much easier identifying the snake as you would have developed a presupposition towards the locally and thus towards the snake.

Color and pattern

The most useful field identification characteristics to use in identifying snakes is their color and patterns. Some snakes like the Sri Lankan and Indian Cobras are easy to identify due to their prominent monocle and spectacle markings on the back of their neck. Ornate flying snake is easy to identify as its the most colorful snake in Sri Lanka. Some Sri Lankan land snakes are either gray or brown with discernible markings which can give away their identity. However there are many snakes with absolutely no discernible pattern which makes them harder to identify at a distance. Rat snakes and Racers are generally one color with no lines, blotches, or bands. Coral snakes for example have a well colored body that can be identified from a distance.

Shape of head

Another important characteristic to identify snakes is the head color and shape. All vipers for example posses a arrow shaped head with puffy cheeks. Certain snakes like the Green Vine Snake have an extremely narrow pointed head which can easily be identified from a distance.

Eye pupil shape

An easy method of telling the difference between a venomous and non-venomous snake is to look at the shape of the pupil. Non-venomous snakes all have a round pupil (in the center of the eye) whereas all venomous snakes have a vertical elliptical (cat-like) shaped pupil. All pit-vipers (venomous) also have a small hole (pit) between the nostril and the eye which it used to target warm blooded prey. These pits are aligned with heat receptors and can pinpoint warm blooded prey accurately as well as in total darkness.

Fangs

The following table illustrates the Venomous and Non-venomous snakes in detail. Some species are easier identify owing to their characteristic color and patterns.