King cobra
Ophiophagus hannah · South & Southeast Asia
The world's longest venomous snake, reaching over 5 m. It eats mainly other snakes and is the only snake known to build a nest for its eggs.
Notable snake species: facts and comparison
Species comparison table
Typical adult lengths are approximate; individuals vary.
| Species | Typical length | Prey capture | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| King cobra | Up to ~5.5 m | Venomous (neurotoxic) | South & Southeast Asia |
| Reticulated python | Up to ~7 m+ | Constrictor | Southeast Asia |
| Green anaconda | Up to ~5–6 m; heaviest snake | Constrictor | South America |
| Black mamba | ~2–3 m | Venomous (neurotoxic) | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Inland taipan | ~1.8–2.5 m | Venomous | Central Australia |
| Gaboon viper | ~1.2–1.8 m | Venomous | Central & West Africa |
| Eastern diamondback rattlesnake | ~1.2–2 m | Venomous | Southeastern USA |
| Corn snake | ~0.9–1.5 m | Constrictor (harmless) | Southeastern USA |
| Brahminy blind snake | ~10–15 cm | Harmless burrower | Worldwide (introduced) |
| Yellow-bellied sea snake | ~0.7–1 m | Venomous | Indian & Pacific Oceans |
| Paradise tree snake | ~1–1.2 m | Mildly venomous, harmless to people | Southeast Asia |
| Barbados threadsnake | ~10 cm | Harmless | Barbados |
Wondering if a snake near you is dangerous? Use our venomous or not guide by region.
Reticulated python
Malayopython reticulatus · Southeast Asia
Often cited as the longest snake species, with records over 6–7 m. A non-venomous constrictor and strong swimmer.
Green anaconda
Eunectes murinus · South America
The heaviest snake, potentially exceeding 200 kg. Spends much time in water, ambushing prey at the edge.
Black mamba
Dendroaspis polylepis · Sub-Saharan Africa
Named for the black inside of its mouth, not its grey-brown body. One of the fastest snakes, but shy and prefers to flee.
Inland taipan
Oxyuranus microlepidotus · Central Australia
Has the most toxic venom of any land snake in lab tests, yet is reclusive and bites on people are very rare.
Gaboon viper
Bitis gabonica · Central & West Africa
Has the longest fangs of any snake (up to about 5 cm) and superb leaf-litter camouflage.
Eastern diamondback rattlesnake
Crotalus adamanteus · Southeastern USA
The heaviest venomous snake in the Americas. Its rattle is made of interlocking keratin segments added at each shed.
Corn snake
Pantherophis guttatus · Southeastern USA
A gentle, non-venomous rodent-eater and one of the most popular pet snakes.
Brahminy blind snake
Indotyphlops braminus · Worldwide (spread by people)
A tiny burrower resembling an earthworm. All known individuals are female and reproduce without males (parthenogenesis).
Yellow-bellied sea snake
Hydrophis platurus · Tropical Indian & Pacific Oceans
Lives its whole life at sea, drifting along ocean slicks. Can absorb some oxygen through its skin.
Paradise tree snake
Chrysopelea paradisi · Southeast Asia
A 'flying' snake that glides between trees by flattening its body and undulating in the air.
Barbados threadsnake
Tetracheilostoma carlae · Barbados
One of the smallest known snakes, roughly 10 cm long, about the size of a noodle.