They wiggle and squiggle, slither and slide. They’ve had feature movie’s made about them and continue to be a fascination to the young and old. What am I talking about? Snakes!
Snakes have been around since the beginning of time. There’s now approximately 3100 different species and they can be found in all parts of the world except the Arctic regions.
Snakes come in a wide range of sizes and colours. Some live in trees, some on land and others in the sea. However, they all have one thing in common – people either love em’ or hate em’. Whether you’re a fan of this slinky fellow or not, they are still quite interesting – some more than others.
Check out the snake that resembles a dragon, one that is so small it can fit on a US quarter, and the sea snake with skin like an elephant. But beware! You might just change your mind about how you view them.
Revolting Reptiles or Super Snakes? You decide…
No Fire from this Dragon!
There’s no fire, but a bite from the feathered tree viper could lead to death!With bristle-like scales this snake stands out from the rest. It’s found deep in the rain forests of Central Africa and grows up to 75cm (29.5 inches) long. The fangs on the atheris hispida are on its upper jaw and are retractable like all vipers.
Would you call this a Revolting Reptile or a Super Snake?
Who Ordered the Spaghetti…Snake?
The world’s smallest snake was discovered in 2008 under a rock on the Caribbean island of Barbados. This little guy measures only 4cm (10 inches) in length and is “thin as spaghetti.”The Barbados thread snake is also blind and feeds off of the larvae of termites and ants. Unlike other snakes, the female lays only one large egg at a time.
So? Revolting Reptile or Super Snake?
Pack Your Trunk, Snake!
Unlike normal elephants, the elephant trunk snake is totally aquatic and is completely helpless on land - its scales are large and knobby and prevent the snake from slithering. It can grow up to 2.5 meters (8 feet) in length and has wrinkled, baggy skin – like an elephant!It’s found in the sea waters of Indonesia and feeds on fish, catfish and eels. Since this snake doesn’t have any venom, it hunts it’s prey by constriction – its “knobby” scales help to hold their slippery prey in place.
Do you think the elephant trunk snake is a Revolting Reptile or Super Snake?
If you thought all these snakes were super and you want to learn more about them or other species of snakes, check out the Internet, a zoo or your local library.
Wonder Words
~ retractable – to withdraw
~ constriction – tightness or inward pressure
For more cool articles and great stories chesk knowonder magazine at; http://www.knowonder.com
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