Can You Identify These Snakes?

Estimated Completion Time
6 min
Can You Identify These Snakes?
Image: Kristian Bell / Moment / Getty Images

About This Quiz

In a Gallup Poll conducted in the year 2000, Americans picked snakes as their number one fear. In fact, a full 51% of adults reported being afraid of these simple reptiles, more than the number who reported a fear of heights, public speaking or thunder storms. And yes, snakes like the black mamba or death adder can be pretty terrifying, but the vast majority of snakes are completely and utterly harmless. Of the 3,000 snake species on the planet, only around 7% could potentially kill or seriously injure a human, according to National Geographic. In fact, the University of Florida's Department of Wildlife estimates that people living in the U.S. are a whopping nine times more likely to be killed by lightning than to end up one of the 5 or 6 victims who die of snake bites each year.

So not only are most snakes unlikely to kill you — or even harm you at all — these mostly gentle animals are actually pretty intriguing if you give them a chance. With an incredible array of colors and patterns, these creatures can be stunning, and some species even make great pets for those seeking a companion. 

Still not convinced that you want anything to do with snakes? Consider a move to Antarctica, Ireland, New Zealand, Iceland or Greenland, all of which are blessedly free of snakes of any kind. Before you pack your bags, take a minute to try your hand at this quiz to see how many snakes you can identify from a single image.

1 Reticulated python
Justin Ong / Moment / Getty Images
At 17 to 22 feet, this is one of the longest snakes in the world, but can you guess its name?
Mexican black kingsnake
Milk snake
Four-lined snake
Reticulated python
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Slithering through the rain forests of Southeast Asia, the reticulated python ranks among the longest snakes on the planet, according to the St. Louis Zoo. While this diamond-patterned creature isn't venomous, it does pose a threat to humans because of its powerful constricting ability, which it uses to squeeze its prey to death.

2 Flying snake
up close with nature / Moment Open / Getty Images
If you hate the thought of a snake slithering near your feet, you'd really hate members of the genus Chrysopelea, which are known by this name.
Sea serpents
Flying snakes
Snake sharks
Death constrictors
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

No, members of the genus Chrysopelea can't actually fly, but these so-called flying snakes have figured out how to launch themselves from trees, curving their bodies back and forth to glide smoothly through the air. Found throughout Southeast Asia, these snakes, which measure between 2 and 4 feet long, can actually glide more effectively than flying squirrels, according to National Geographic.

3 Rattlesnake
Stan Tekiela Author / Naturalist / Wildlife Photographer / Moment / Getty Images
Name this noisy, venomous snake that is native to the United States.
Puff adder
Corn snake
Rattlesnake
Garter snake
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The three dozen or so species within the rattlesnake family are all native to the U.S., and tend to be responsible for most snake bite deaths in the country. Species include the Eastern and Western Diamondbacks, Timber, Pygmy, Prairie and Mojave, all of which range between 4 and 8 feet in length, and have a characteristic rattle made from overlapping scales at the tip of their tail.

Advertisement

4 Tigersnake
Kristian Bell / Moment / Getty Images
What is the name of this venomous Australia native that can measure up to 6 feet in length?
Tigersnake
Burmese python
Titanoboa
King cobra
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Perth Zoo in Australia names the tigersnake as one of the world's deadliest snake species. It comes in shades ranging from black to gray or yellow, with alternative bands of color down its length. While this snake will raise up like a cobra when threatened, it's unlikely to attack unless it is threatened.

5 Boomslang
Michele D'Amico supersky77 / Moment / Getty Images
A bite from one of these snakes leads to a terrible death a few days later. Can you identify this sub-Saharan African native?
Ribbon snake
Hog-nosed snake
Boomslang
Bull snake
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The boomslang is an attractive snake thanks to its large eyes and cool green color, but looks can be deceiving; this relatively small snake, which maxes out around 5 feet, can open its mouth almost 180 degrees to deliver a venom-loaded bite. You won't feet too bad at first, but you'll be dead within a few days of the encounter after bleeding out from every possible orifice, according to Scientific American.

6 Northern Water Snake
Stan Tekiela Author / Naturalist / Wildlife Photographer / Moment / Getty Images
Often mistaken for a copperhead, what is this harmless water-dweller that calls the eastern U.S. home?
Eastern diamondback
Northern water snake
Death adder
Titanoboa
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

One of the most common snakes found in U.S. waterways, the northern water snake ranges from gray to brown in color, and its dark markings make it easy to confuse with the much more dangerous copperhead. While this snake is non-venomous, it might bite if threatened, but poses little threat to humans, according to "National Geographic."

Advertisement

7 Black Mamba
suebg1 photography / Moment / Getty Images
Left untreated, a bite from Dendroaspis polylepsis will kill you in 20 minutes flat. Know its common name?
Coral snake
Black mamba
Eastern garter snake
Brazilian rainbow boa
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Despite its name, the black mamba is actually brown, but gets its name from the black coloring inside of its mouth. If you ever see this snake's mouth open, start running; it's one of the world's deadliest snakes, and a single bite can kill an adult in 20 minutes without treatment, according to National Geographic. Oh, and run fast, because this snake can slither at 12.5 mph.

8 Eyelash Viper
Tom Applegate / Moment / Getty Images
Can you name this Central American snake, which gets its moniker from the bristly scales above its eyes?
Eyelash viper
Hognosed snake
Milk snake
Cottonmouth
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Native to Central America, the eyelash viper is unique both because of its coloring, which ranges from yellow to pink or vibrant green, and because of the raised scales above its eyes that resemble eyelashes. While this forest-dwelling snake can deliver venom, it lives in such remote areas that it rarely comes into contact with humans, according to the Smithsonian National Zoo.

9 Boa Constrictor
Jasius / Moment / Getty Images
Do you know the name of this massive snake, which is powerful enough to swallow a monkey whole?
Water moccasin
Boa constrictor
Black mamba
Corn snake
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Hunted for its beautiful skin, which can features patterns of lines, circles or diamonds in shades ranging from yellow to brown, the Boa Constrictor is also a popular pet among snake lovers. Though non-venomous, this creature can measure more than 13 feet long and weigh more than a 100 pounds, allowing it to swallow fairly large mammals with ease. Another cool Boa fact — this snake gives birth to live babies, and can produce more than 50 at a time.

Advertisement

10 Eastern Brown Snake
Richard Sharrocks / Moment / Getty Images
Scientists call is Pseudonaja textilis, but do you know the name of this killer Australian snake?
Blue krait
Redbelly snake
Four-lined snake
Eastern brown snake
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Also known as the common brown snake, the eastern brown snake can range from pale tan to chocolaty-brown, with a lighter orange or yellow underside. Found throughout eastern Australia, this snake is responsible for a large percentage of the nation's snake bite deaths, according to the Australian Reptile Park.

11 King Cobra
Visage / Stockbyte / Getty Images
If its half-inch long fangs don't scare you, its horrible hiss will. Name this massive beast known for its potent venom.
Tigersnake
King cobra
Yellow anaconda
Boomslang
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Native to southeast Asia and known to scientists as Ophiophagus hannah, the king cobra can be as long as 18 feet. It ranges in color from pale yellow to black, but all king cobras have the ability to flare out a "hood" around their head to appear larger when threatened. If that doesn't scare off a predator, the snake will sink its half-inch fangs into its victim, delivering enough venom to kill 20 people, according to The New York Times.

12 Emerald Tree Boa
by toonman / Moment / Getty Images
Don't let that gorgeous color fool you ... it's best to steer clear of this South American snake. Can you ID it?
Coral snake
Milk snake
Emerald tree boa
Flying snake
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Named for its vibrant scales, which are bright green with white spots, the emerald tree boa calls the forests of South America home. Interestingly enough, this snake gives birth to live young, which start off red or orange before changing to green as they mature. Though non-venomous, this snake can grow to 6 feet or more in length, so it's best to keep your distance.

Advertisement

13 Copperhead
R. Andrew Odum / Photodisc / Getty Images
Its hourglass-shaped markings make this snake easy to identify, but can you recall its name?
Copperhead
Hog-nosed snake
Brazilian rainbow boa
Pine snake
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Copperheads live all over the eastern and central U.S., and generally range from 2 to 3 feet in length. Don't let that small size fool you, however, because this brown snake with its triangular head can deliver a venomous bite from the moment it's born. Though its bite is rarely fatal, according to the Smithsonian National Zoo, stay far away from any snake with hourglass-shaped markings down its back just to be safe.

14 San Francisco Garter Snake
R. Andrew Odum / Photodisc / Getty Images
Named for a city in California, can you identify this endangered species that just might be one of the most beautiful snakes you'll ever see?
Sacramento black cobra
San Diego boa constrictor
Los Angeles pit viper
San Francisco garter snake
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

So-named because it is native to the San Francisco area, the San Francisco garter snake is endangered due to development and loss of habitat. Non-venomous and less than 3 feet in length, this creature has turquoise scales and a brilliantly colored orange-red head, with more burnt-orange or orange-red spots along its body.

15 Green Anaconda
Tom Brakefield / Stockbyte / Getty Images
It's the heaviest snake in the world with a weight in excess of 1,000 pounds. Think you can name this massive South American snake?
Burmese python
Blue coral snake
Green anaconda
Inland taipan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ranging from 17 to 35 feet in length or even longer, the green anaconda is big enough to take down a big cat and swallow it whole, according to the Smithsonian National Zoo. Dark green with black and yellow spots, this snake has the ability to remain submerged in water for 10 minutes at a time while stalking its prey.

Advertisement

16 Black Racer snake
Wiki Commons by Brian Stansberry
Its scientific name is Coluber constrictor, but do you know the common name of this white-throated snake?
Eyelash viper
Black racer
Reticulated python
Boa constrictor
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Born gray or brown, the black racer develops its deep inky color over time, except for chin and throat area, which remain bright white. Ranging from 3 to 5 feet in length, this fast-moving snake lives throughout the U.S.. While non-venomous, it does project a distinctly musky odor when threatened.

17 Four-lined Snake
Jasius / Moment / Getty Images
Think you can ID this creature, which at up to 7 feet in length is one of Europe's largest snakes?
Mexican black kingsnake
Corn snake
California kingsnake
Four-lined snake
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The four-lined or rat snake has a yellow-brown body with four darkly-colored stripes running from head to tail. Non-venomous, this snake known to scientists as Elaphe Quatuorlineata is relatively calm and non-aggressive to humans.

18 Rock Python
Wiki Commons by Tigerpython
Choose the correct name for this creature, which ranks along the longest species of snakes in Africa.
Rock python
Death adder
Banded sea krait
Northern water snake
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While known for being aggressive, the rock python of Sub-Saharan Africa is thankfully non-venomous. Sadly, this snake can easily kill by squeezing or constricting, as evidenced by the death of two children killed in 2013 by a rock python that escaped from a pet store in New Brunswick, Canada.

Advertisement

19 Saw Scaled Viper
Kristian Bell / Moment Open / Getty Images
Sometimes called a carpet viper, can you name this snake that goes by the scientific name Echis?
Saw-scaled viper
Tigersnake
San Francisco garter snake
Queen snake
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Native to Africa and southeast Asia, the saw-scaled viper gets its name from the rough, raised scales along the sides of its body. Ranging in color from brown to orange or gray, this venomous snake species can measure as long as 3 feet. While it will make a sizzling sound to warn off potential threats, predators that refuse to heed this snake's warning may suffer a powerful and possibly deadly bite.

20 Eastern Garter Snake
James Gerholdt / Stockbyte / Getty Images
Think you can name this small, thin snake, which is commonly found in suburban gardens in North America?
California kingsnake
Eastern garter snake
Redbelly snake
Boomslang
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Known to scientists as Thamnophis sirtalis, the eastern garter snake is a common sight in North America, even in populated areas. It can range in color from green to black, and generally has a single yellow stripe running the length of its body, which is usually between 2 and 5 feet, according to the University of Georgia Herpetology Program. And in case you are wondering, this snake is totally harmless to humans.

21 Massasauga
R. Andrew Odum / Photodisc / Getty Images
It goes by the scientific name Sistrusus catenatus, but can you guess the common name of this North American reptile?
Massasauga
Blue krait
Indian cobra
Emerald tree boa
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Found on the east coast of Canada and the U.S., the Massasauga is endangered thanks to habitat destruction, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This venomous species of rattlesnake is usually under 3 feet long, and has a brown to gray body with a deep black belly.

Advertisement

22 Blue Krait
Wiki Commons by Wibowo Djatmiko
Name this highly venomous snake, which rarely attacks humans because it is mostly active only during the night.
Timber rattlesnake
Water moccasin
Blue krait
Forest cobra
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Thank goodness the blue krait prefers to venture out at night rather than by day, because this snake with characteristic deep blue-black and white banding packs a powerful venom into its bite. Found in southeast Asia, this species measures up to 6 feet long and is sometimes known as the Malayan krait.

23 Black Rat Snake
Stormy Seas Photography / Moment Open / Getty Images
Name this popular pet snake, which lives throughout the mid-Atlantic and central U.S. and is a tremendous climber and swimmer.
San Francisco garter snake
Banded yellow krait
Corn snake
Black rat snake
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Black rat snakes range from 3 to 7 feet, and are totally black in color with the exception of the belly, chin and throat. Non-venomous according to the National Wildlife Federation, this snake is part of the same family as the Texas rat snake, which looks the same, but has lighter brown scales rather than black.

24 Common Garter Snake
Wiki Commons by USFWSmidwest
You can identify this North American snake by its red tongue, which has a black, forked tip. Do you know its name?
Brazilian rainbow boa
Titanoboa
Common garter snake
King cobra
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Found throughout all of the United States with the exception of the dry southwestern states, the Common Garter Snake measures less than 4 feet in length and weighs less than a pound. It prefers to live near water, is harmless to humans, and has three stripes running down its body, which can range from very pale to deep brown.

Advertisement

25 Redbelly Snake
Wiki Commons by USFWSmidwest
Black or brown on top, the underside of Storeria occipitomaculata reveals a secret. Name this non-venemous snake species.
Eastern coral snake
Redbelly snake
Prairie rattlesnake
King cobra
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Its vibrant red or orange underside gives the redbelly snake its common name. Found all over the U.S. and Canada, this small reptile has a pair of strange habits; not only will it curl its lip to intimidate its enemies, but it has also been known to play dead — flopping over on its back and letting its tongue hang out to convince predators to go away.

26 Milk Snake
Simon Murrell / Cultura / Getty Images
Guess the common name of this banded Kingsnake species, which scientists refer to as Lampopeltis triangulum.
Milk snake
Antiguan racer
Round Island boa
Pine snake
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Found all over the Americas, the two dozen species of milk snake range from 1 to 6 feet in length. Most have black banding to separate larger sections of orange-red and tan scales, which can fool some into thinking that this species is actually the more dangerous coral snake.

27 Cottonmouth
Rex Lisman / Moment / Getty Images
Some call it a water moccasin, but it's more commonly known by this name. Can you guess what it is?
Saw-scaled viper
Common garter snake
Cottonmouth
Eyelash viper
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Whether you call it a cottonmouth or water moccasin, call it from far away to prevent any attacks by this venomous snake ... the only venomous water snake in the U.S., according to the University of Georgia's Herpetology Program. Two to 4 feet long and yellow to black in color, the cottonmouth has vertical eye slits like a cat, which is one of the most effective ways to tell it apart from similar looking non-venomous snakes.

Advertisement

28 Blue coral snake
Wiki Commons by Seshadri.K.S
Everything about this gorgeous blue snake screams danger, but do you know the name of this cold-blooded killer?
Scaleless corn snake
Blue coral snake
Yellow anaconda
Redbelly snake
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Calliophis bivirgata, or the blue coral snake, features a brilliant turquoise body and red-orange head and tail. Named because it resembles some of the spectacular colors found in coral, this land-dwelling snake from southeast Asia can kill with a single bite, and has venom so powerful that scientists are using it to study toxicology and antivenom, according to a 2016 study published in the Journal of Proteomics.

29 Pine Snake
Wiki Commons by Glenn Bartolotti
It ranks as one of the largest North American snakes, but do you think you can identify this species scientists refer to as Pituophis melanoleucus?
Pine snake
Boomslang
Orlov's viper
Asian vine snake
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The pine snake is colored just right to blend in with the needles and other debris that makes up the floor in a pine forest. Up to 6 feet in length, this snake has a small, turtle-like head, and lays the largest eggs of any North American snake, according to the University of Georgia's Herpetology Program.

30 Inland Taipen
Wiki Commons by Bjoertvedt
Just a drop of poison from this snake could kill 100 men, according to the Australian Museum. Can you name this scary species?
Western diamondback rattlesnake
Inland Taipan
Saint Lucia racer
Cape cobra
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Beware the Inland Taipan, which is also known simply as the small-scaled or fierce snake. This shy, light brown Australian snake is so deadly that a 17-year old who managed to survive a Taipan bite in 2012 made headlines, and left scientists scratching their heads, according to an article in the Sydney Morning Herald.

Advertisement

31 Bull Snake
R. Andrew Odum / Photodisc / Getty Images
What is the name of this snake, which the National Park Service names as the largest reptile found in the wilds of Yellowstone?
Mozambique spitting cobra
Rubber boa
Bull snake
Black acer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Yellow or black with brown spots along its back, the bull snake lives in burrows throughout the central U.S. and Canada. While it's commonly mistakenly for a rattlesnake, and indeed it does beat its tail on the ground to create a similar sound, this non-venomous snake is not part of the rattler family and poses no real danger to humans.

32 Brazilian Rainbow Boa
Martin Harvey / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Choose the common name for Epicrates cenchria, whose iridescent skin helps it stand out in a crowd of snakes.
Rattlesnake
Eastern garter snake
Black mamba
Brazilian rainbow boa
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

There's no snake like the Brazilian rainbow boa, which has iridescent skin that shimmers with all the colors of the rainbow as it reflects the light. Found around the Amazon River, this snake is non-venomous and rarely grows more than 6 feet in length.

33 Death Adder
Wiki Commons by John Wombey, CSIRO
What is this snake native to Australia that has become endangered in the 2010s thanks to threats from invasive cane toads?
Pine snake
Tigersnake
Boomslang
Death adder
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Despite its name, the death adder rarely kills anyone, and is only likely to bite humans who try to attack it or handle it, according to the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Three feet long with golden stripes, the scientific name of this Aussie native is Acanthopis praelongus.

Advertisement

34 Hog-Nosed Snake
Rex Lisman / Moment / Getty Images
This harmless, toad-eating snake can play dead when it's scared. Know what it's called?
Flying snake
Hog-nosed snake
Titanoboa
Mexican black kingsnake
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The upturned "snout" of the hog-nosed snake gives this creature its unique name. Measuring up to 2 feet in length, this North and South American reptile ranges from gray to brown or red, and often has patterns of black splotches on its back.

35 California Kingsnake
Wiki Commons by Connor Long
Found in the western U.S. and Mexico, name this colorful snake known for its unusual defense tactics.
California kingsnake
Four-lined snake
Russell's viper
Egyptian cobra
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Getula californiae, or California kingsnakes, have colorful ringed bodies in shapes of yellow, white red, blue and black. They may hiss or vibrate to make noise when threatened, but their last resort is to simply curl into a ball with their head buried at the center for safety.

36 Corn Snake
R. Andrew Odum / Photodisc / Getty Images
A scientist might call this snake Pantherophis guttatus, but most reptile lovers in the U.S. will recognize it by this name.
Copperhead
Blue krait
Corn snake
Black mamba
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Native to the southern and eastern U.S., the corn snake is a type of rat snake that is typically red or orange with black-lined markings along its back. While this harmless snake might resemble a copperhead, it's easy to tell the difference; while corn snakes can have various patterns of markings, the markings on the back of a copperhead are shaped like an hourglass.

Advertisement

37 Banded Sea Krait
Wiki Commons by Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE
White with black banding, what is the name of this venomous water-dwelling snake?
Bull snake
Banded sea krait
Cottonmouth
Mozambique spitting cobra
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The banded sea krait swims the seas around the Indian and Pacific oceans, returning to land to lay its eggs. While this venomous snake can pack a dangerous bite, attacks are rare. Oceana reports that most bites by this snake take place when the krait gets caught in a fishing net and comes across a very unlucky fisherman.

38 Coral Snake
Mark Kostich / E+ / Getty Images
Red on yellow kills a fellow, or so says the folk rhymes spoken about this snake. Can you name it?
Coral snake
Rattlesnake
Flying snake
Redbelly snake
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

One of four venomous snakes native to the U.S., the coral snake is found throughout the southeastern part of the country. While several snakes have similar banding to this species, the real secret to identification lies not in remembering rhymes but in examining the nose. The deadly coral snake has a black nose, while similar non-venomous species will not, according to the Florida Museum at the University of Florida.

39 Ribbon Snake
Wiki Commons by Greg Schechter from San Francisco, USA
The harmless snake shown here lives in wet areas around the U.S., chowing down on fish and insects. Can you ID it?
Hog-nosed snake
Yellow anaconda
Burmese python
Ribbon snake
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Thamnophis saurita, or ribbon snakes, are common and completely harmless to humans. Found all over the eastern U.S., this snake has three stripes down its back, a yellow to white belly and is between 1 and 2 feet in length, according to the University of Georgia's Herpetology Program.

Advertisement

40 Rough Green Snake
Kristian Bell / Moment / Getty Images
Sometimes known as the grass snake, which of these is a common name for the non-venomous Opheodrys aestivus?
Rough green snake
California kingsnake
Blue krait
Rattlesnake
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Measuring 2 to 3 feet in length and found throughout the eastern United States, the rough green snake has textured scales in various shades of light of bright green. While it doesn't bite or contain any venom, this species is very active by day, good at climbing trees and a great swimmer, according to the Chesapeake Bay Program, so it's not unusual for it to come into contact with humans.

You Got:
/40
Kristian Bell / Moment / Getty Images