You cannot overlook the amazing beauty of snakes regardless of your opinion about them. Given that there are more than 3,900 different types of snakes found all around, it is not surprising that their sizes, colors, and patterns vary. Most of us know only of the common garden snakes from our backyards or the terrible copperheads and cottonmouths. But even if they are dangerous and terrifying, we might still find great beauty in snakes. here list of 55 Most Colorful Snakes In The World You Have To See To Believe
The Science Behind Snake Coloration
The cells in snakeskin, designated as chromatophores, can only generate brown, black, and red hues. Some snakes employ chromatophores to simulate the iridescence generated by iridophore cells. So, how many snakes have diverse hues like purple, yellow, green, and blue? Well, the primary colors generated interact or are accessible in variable amounts or quality, culminating in the numerous colorations and patterns noticed in diverse creatures.
Adaptive Coloration
Snakes have developed different, unique colorations and patterns over time as a method of concealing from predators, enticing in food, and even frightening away prospective adversaries. Snakes adapt to their environment, what they seek, the climate, and other factors, and their look reflects this.
The Most Colorful Snakes
We’ve whittled it down to the top 55 most colorful snakes in the world. Let’s look at what makes each of these creatures so lovely and distinct.
Emerald tree boa
The emerald tree boa is one of the most colorful non-venomous snakes in the world. Its vivid green hue, enhanced by white “lightning bolt” patterns, distinguishes it among arboreal snakes. While many beautiful snakes are very poisonous, the emerald tree boa is not dangerous to humans.
Eyelash Viper
The eyelash viper is one of the most strikingly colorful venomous snake species in the world. Found in Central and South America, this small pit viper displays a vibrant array of colors including green, yellow, orange, red, and brown, often with distinctive horn-like scales above its eyes. While its appearance is mesmerizing, the eyelash viper’s potent hemotoxic venom makes it an extremely dangerous snake that should only be handled by experts.
Rainbow boa
Rainbow boas are among the world’s most colorful non-venomous snake species. This semi-arboreal boa, found in Central and South America, has an iridescent sheen that refracts light, creating a stunning rainbow effect across its scales, particularly in low-angle sunlight.
Beddome’s Black Shieldtail
Beddome’s black shieldtail is one of the most colorful snake species on Earth. Aside from the vast number of multicolored snakes identified globally, this amazing, iridescent snake from India’s Western Ghats boasts a striking black and yellow color scheme.
Red-Tailed Green Ratsnake
The red-tailed green ratsnake is a colorful, non-venomous snake species widespread across Southeast Asia. Its vibrant green body and prominent red or brown tail make it one among the most physically appealing snakes in the area.
Sumatran Pit Viper
Sumatran pit vipers are among the world’s most colorful poisonous snake species. This huge, arboreal pit viper from Southeast Asia has a vivid neon-green hue, black markings, and a prominent red-tipped tail, making it a wonderfully remarkable snake.
Madagascar tree boa
The Madagascar tree boa, scientifically known as Sanzinia madagascariensis, is an arboreal snake endemic to the island of Madagascar. It is a member of the Boidae family and is non-venomous.
This species is found in both tropical rainforests and tropical dry forests of the north and west of the island. The Madagascar tree boa is known for its green coloration in the eastern rainforests and orange coloration in the drier western forests.
Sunbeam Snake
The sunbeam snake is among the world’s most colorful snakes. Its scales emit luminescence, revealing a rainbow of hues under brilliant sunlight. This fossorial species may be found across Southeast Asia and Indonesia, where it lives in mud and burrows beneath leaves and soil. Its iridescent scales and distinct look make it a remarkably beautiful snake.
Asian Vine Snake
The Asian Vine Snake is one of the most colorful snakes in the world. These slender, arboreal snakes have bright green bodies that can expand to reveal a checkered pattern of light and dark scales. Found in tropical forests across southern Asia, their vibrant coloration helps them camouflage as they hunt frogs, lizards, and small birds.
San Francisco Garter Snake
The San Francisco garter snake is one of the most colorfully colored snakes on the planet. With its vivid orange head, black, red, and blue-green stripes, and turquoise belly, it is often regarded as the most beautiful snake in the United States. Unfortunately, this endangered subspecies is only located on a limited portion of the San Francisco Peninsula.
Sri Lankan Pit Viper
Sri Lankan green pit vipers are among the world’s most colorful snakes. This indigenous species is usually brilliant green with a zigzag black pattern on its back. Found in Sri Lankan jungles, its brilliant colors aid in concealment as it hunts tiny animals, frogs, and birds.
Scarlet Snake
The scarlet snake is a beautiful, non-venomous reptile in the southern United States. It has a striking design of big red bars split by black bands that resemble the deadly coral snake. Despite its bright look, the red snake offers little threat to people.
Ball Python
The ball python is one of the most colorful snakes in the world. While most wild ball pythons are brown and black, selective breeding has resulted in a diverse spectrum of morphs, including pied, albino, yellow, and others. These snakes are popular pets owing to their manageable size and calm personality, with certain morphs commanding high prices.
Blue Racer
The blue racer is a beautiful, non-venomous snake living in North America. Its vivid, iridescent blue hue makes it one of the most visually appealing snakes in the area, even though many of the world’s most beautiful snakes are deadly.
Rough-Scaled Bush Viper
The Rough-Scaled Bush Viper is one of the most strikingly colorful snakes in the world. Also known as the Hairy Bush Viper, this highly venomous species has a body covered in rough, spiny scales that give it a bristly, almost hairy appearance. Its colors can range from greenish-yellow to olive, with dark scale tips that create a mottled pattern.
White-Lipped Island Pit Viper
The white-lipped island pit viper is among the world’s most colorful snakes. This poisonous species, found across Indonesia, may appear in a variety of colorful colors, including bright blue, green, and yellow. While the blue morph is exceptionally uncommon, the snake’s bright colors aid in its concealment as it seeks tiny food in the jungle.
Ringneck Snake
The ringneck snake is one of the most colorful snakes in the world. It has a striking yellow, orange, or red band around its neck and a bright orange or red abdomen, whereas its dorsal coloration is normally olive, brown, or gray. Other snakes, such as the Asian vine snake, San Francisco garter snake, and Sri Lankan pit viper, have substantially more colorful and diversified colors overall.
Green Tree Python
Juveniles of this species begin with a variety of brilliant hues, including red, orange, yellow, and green. As they age, they gain a distinctive, brilliant green coloring. Natives of New Guinea and portions of Australia.
Amazonian Coral Snake
The Amazonian Coral Snake, a poisonous coral snake, features bright red, black, and yellow stripes across its body. It is endemic to the Amazon basin.
African Bush Viper
The African Bush Viper has keeled scales that give it a rough, bristly look. It appears in a variety of brilliant hues, from greens and yellows to reds and oranges. Found in the jungles of Western and Central Africa.
Painted Bronzeback
The Painted Bronzeback is a beautiful, non-venomous snake species. It has a bronze-colored back with black stripes and blue markings on its sides, making it a strikingly colorful snake. Many of the most vibrant and colorful snake species are in fact non-venomous, though some highly-colored snakes like coral snakes and certain pit vipers can be quite dangerous.
Sri Lankan Pit Viper
Sri Lankan green pit vipers are among the world’s most colorful snakes. This indigenous species is usually brilliant green with a zigzag black pattern on its back. Found in Sri Lankan jungles, its brilliant colors aid in concealment as it hunts tiny animals, frogs, and birds.
Red Milk Snake
Not the most appealing snakes are red milk snakes. Its red, black, and yellow banded design resembles the dangerous coral snake, however, the green tree python, blue Malaysian coral snake, and Brazilian rainbow boa have more vibrant colors.
Gold-Ringed Cat Snake
Among the most boring snakes on Earth is the gold-ringed cat snake. Although it has a unique yellow-banded appearance, other snakes include the Brazilian rainbow boa, blue Malaysian coral snake, and green tree python have more vivid and clear colors generally. Though fascinating, the gold-ringed cat snake is not among the most visually beautiful snake species.
Black-Banded Sea Krait
Not among the most beautiful snakes in the planet is the black-banded sea krait. Although its black and white banded pattern is unique, other species include Brazilian rainbow boa, blue Malaysian coral snake, and green tree python have more vivid and varied colors generally. Though fascinating, the black-banded sea krait is not among the most visually beautiful snake species.
Reticulated Python
The reticulated python is not one of the world’s most beautiful snakes. Although it may reach incredible dimensions, its colors are somewhat drab when compared to other species. Snakes with more brilliant and diversified hues include the Brazilian rainbow boa, blue Malaysian coral snake, and green tree python.
Western Bush Viper
The Western bush viper, also known as the West African leaf viper, is one of the most colorful snakes in the world. Its rough, bristly scales can display a vibrant array of greens, yellows, reds, and oranges, making it a stunning sight in its forest habitat.
Kenyan Sand Boar
Some snakes are more colorful than the Kenyan sand boa. Its black splotches on yellow or orange backgrounds are alluring, although its coloration is more muted than that of the green tree python, blue Malaysian coral snake, and Brazilian rainbow boa.
Black-Necked Garter Snake
Not among the most colorful snake species worldwide is the black-necked garter snake. Although its black and yellow pattern is distinctive, its color is not very strong when compared to other brilliant snakes as Brazilian rainbow boa, blue Malaysian coral snake, and green tree python. Snakes of many more breathtakingly brilliant colors abound all around.
Speckled Racer Snake
Speckled racer snakes are considered one of the most colorful snake species in the world. Although its overall coloration is muted in comparison to the vibrant hues seen in snakes such as the green tree python, blue Malaysian coral snake, and Brazilian rainbow boa, its pattern of black speckles on a lighter background is appealing.
Colombian Boa
The Colombian boa, commonly known as the red-tailed boa, is not regarded as one of the most colorful snake species in the world. While it may produce lovely patterns, its coloring is generally subdued in comparison to the bright colors seen in snakes such as the green tree python and Brazilian rainbow boa.
Hagen’s Pit Viper
The Hagen’s pit viper is one of the most colorful deadly snake species on the earth. This enormous, muscular pit viper from Southeast Asia has a vibrant green body with striking white or pink markings, making it an extremely beautiful and physically pleasing snake.
Boomslang
The boomslang is one of the most colorful and deadliest snakes in the world. This arboreal African snake may display a bright rainbow of greens, blues, blacks, and yellows, making it a fascinating and visually appealing reptile.
Broad-Banded Temple Pit Viper
The broad-banded temple pit viper is among the world’s most colorful snake species. It is found in Indonesia. It has a large, triangular head and a thin body with a complicated pattern of reddish to purple bands on a white background.
Northern Redbelly Snake
The northern redbelly snake is a nonvenomous, colorful snake that is endemic to North America. Its dorsal coloring varies between gray, brown, and black, with a bright red belly. It lives in damp environments, preys on slugs and worms, and gives birth to live young.
Carpet Python
Carpet pythons are regarded as one of the world’s most colorful snake species. While they may have stunning patterns and colors, their overall look is somewhat subdued when compared to snakes such as the green tree python, Brazilian rainbow boa, and many deadly pit vipers found across Asia.
Bornean Pit Vipe
The Bornean keeled pit viper is one of the world’s most colorful poisonous snakes. Also known as the Bornean keeled green pit viper, this arboreal pit viper’s scales are a magnificent mix of greens, blues, reds, and whites.
Green Keelback Snake
The green keelback snake is a non-venomous reptile that lives in areas of India. While it has an appealing green tint, it pales in comparison to some of the world’s most vivid snake species. Many of the most colorful snakes, such as coral snakes and pit vipers, are extremely poisonous and constitute a significant threat to people.
Rhinoceros Snake
The rhinoceros snake, sometimes known as the rhinoceros rat snake, is one of the most colorful non-venomous snake species on the planet. Its brilliant green colors and unusual nasal projection make it an eye-catching lizard. While many colorful snakes are dangerous, the rhinoceros snake is safe for humans.
Indian Cobra
The Indian cobra is a very dangerous snake known for its unique hood and bright colors. While it displays a variety of hues, including black, white, and yellow, its look is more modest when compared to some of the most colorful and beautiful snake species. However, the Indian cobra’s powerful neurotoxin venom makes it a very dangerous snake.
Sinaloan Milk Snake
The Sinaloan milk snake is a strikingly colorful, non-venomous subspecies found in Mexico. It has broad red bands separated by black and yellow bands, resembling the pattern of the venomous coral snake. While highly colored, the Sinaloan milk snake is harmless to humans.
Golden Tree Snake
The golden tree snake, also known as the ornate flying snake, is one of the most strikingly colorful non-venomous snake species in the world. Its vibrant green, black, and yellow coloration, combined with its ability to glide between trees, make it a truly remarkable reptile. While many of the world’s most vividly colored snakes are in fact highly venomous, the golden tree snake poses little danger to humans.
Long-Nosed Snake
The long-nosed snake is a non-venomous species living in North America. It features a characteristic extended snout and a pattern of brown and yellow bands, making it a visually appealing snake. While colorful, the long-nosed snake is not harmful to people and is often kept as a pet.
Amazon Tree Boa
The Amazon tree boa is a bright, non-venomous snake species native to South America. It may show off a broad range of colors and patterns, including yellow, gray, red, tan, and black, making it one of the most visually appealing boas. Although beautiful, the Amazon tree boa offers little threat to people.
Eastern Coral Snake
The eastern coral snake is one of the most strikingly colored venomous snakes in North America. It has a distinctive pattern of wide red and black bands separated by narrow yellow bands. While its appearance is mesmerizing, the eastern coral snake’s potent neurotoxic venom makes it extremely dangerous to humans.
Corn Snake
The corn snake is a popular non-venomous pet snake known for its vibrant orange, red, and black coloration. While it is not one of the most strikingly colorful snakes in the world, its attractive pattern and docile temperament make it a common choice for reptile enthusiasts. Many of the most vividly colored snake species are in fact highly venomous.
Boiga dendrophila
The Boiga dendrophila, often known as the mangrove snake or gold-ringed cat snake, is a brightly colored poisonous snake species found in Southeast Asia. It has a beautiful black and yellow banded design, but its powerful venom makes it a very dangerous reptile.
Calliophis bivirgatus
Calliophis virgates, often known as the two-striped coral snake, is one of the world’s most vividly colored poisonous snakes. Its vivid red, black, and yellow banding pattern makes it a visually appealing yet very hazardous lizard.
variable bush viper
The variegated bush viper is one of the world’s most colorful poisonous snakes. It is found in regions of Africa and may appear in a variety of hues such as green, yellow, orange, red, and brown. While its beauty is fascinating, the variegated bush viper’s strong venom makes it highly harmful to humans.
Woma Python
The woma python is a large, non-venomous snake species found in Australia. While it displays an attractive pattern of brown, tan, and black markings, its coloration is relatively muted compared to some of the world’s most vibrant and colorful snake species. As a python, the woma poses no venom threat to humans.
scarlet kingsnake
The scarlet kingsnake is a striking non-venomous snake species in the eastern and southeastern United States. It displays a vibrant pattern of red, black, and yellow bands that mimic the appearance of the highly venomous coral snake, deterring potential predators. While many colorful snakes are poisonous, the scarlet kingsnake poses no danger to humans.
The side-striped palm viper
The side-striped palm viper is a poisonous snake that lives in Central and South America. It has a remarkable pattern of yellow and black stripes on a green backdrop, making it an eye-catching reptile. While the side-striped palm viper’s look is captivating, its strong venom renders it exceedingly harmful to humans. Emerald Tree BoaThe side-striped palm viper is a poisonous snake that lives in Central and South America. It has a remarkable pattern of yellow and black stripes on a green backdrop, making it an eye-catching reptile. While the side-striped palm viper’s look is captivating, its strong venom renders it exceedingly harmful to humans.
