Species group · Reptiles

Colubrid Snakes

WAnimals has 10 species of colubrid snake, spread across 3 families (Amphisbaenidae, Colubridae, Lamprophiidae).

10 species
3 families
75 countries
262 parks
Weight
96 g – 2 kg
Length
35 cm – 2.6 m
Lifespan
8 – 25 years

Ranges calculated from the entries that record the figure, not from all 10.

All 10 species of colubrid snakes on WAnimals

Each one has its own full entry. This group does not replace them: it brings them together.

Conservation status

9 Least Concern1 Near Threatened

No species documented in this group is genuinely at risk according to the IUCN, with the data available today.

See the global conservation status

Where they live

Recorded in 75 countries. The ones with the most species in the group:

Where to see them

Did you know…

  • It is one of the largest snakes in Europe, reaching 2.55 metres long.

    From Western Montpellier Snake

  • Its venom fangs sit at the back of the mouth (opisthoglyphous).

    From Western Montpellier Snake

  • A 39-year study documented a fall in its maximum body size linked to climate warming.

    From Western Montpellier Snake

  • It catches lizards and other vertebrates by constriction.

    From Smooth Snake

  • It is often mistaken for the adder despite being entirely harmless.

    From Smooth Snake

  • Males live markedly longer than females — up to 25 years against 15.

    From Smooth Snake

  • It is told by the horseshoe mark on its nape; it is invasive on Ibiza and Formentera.

    From Horseshoe Whip Snake

  • It reached Ibiza and Formentera inside century-old olive trees imported from the mainland for landscaping: the snakes travelled in the root balls, and since being detected in 2003 they have spread across almost all of Ibiza.

    From Horseshoe Whip Snake

Ecosystems

See every species group · Explore the species one by one