10 black snake species around the world, including black spitting cobra, eastern rat snake and more

Even a first glance suggests that the common name "black snake" suggests a dark snake slithering around. True, but an incredibly wide range of snake genera that live anywhere around the world fall under this general category. They differ hugely as much concerned with size, habitat, temperaments, and even behaviour. Despite their common colouration, which would qualify as similarity, their biological traits and ecological roles are as diverse as they have diversified worldwide. From harmless constrictors to lethal cobras, these snakes exhibit an interesting diversity of adaptation and survival.




Types of black snakes ' species


Below is a close-up look at some more commonly referred-to species which have come to be commonly known as black snakes .



Black swamp snake (Liodytes pygaea)




Black swamp snakes are 10- to 15-inch (25–38 cm) long, semi-aquatic, black swamp snakes found in the southeastern United States. They inhabit slow-moving water, wetlands, marshes and swamps. They are black with a shiny body and a very colored red or orange belly — an intense visual contrast that makes them readily recognizable to herpetologists.

Primarily nocturnal and timid, the snake remains most of the time hidden under water plants or vegetation. It feeds on tadpoles, amphibians, small fish, and invertebrates. Although secretive, the snake is a vital part of a healthy wetland community.



Mexican black kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula nigrita)




A north Mexican and south United States native, the Mexican black kingsnake is particularly known for its lustrous, jet black hue. Growing about 4 to 6 feet (1.2 -- 1.8 meters) in length, it is a quite big species of non-venomous snakes. This constrictor has also been known to be capable of killing other animals, even poisonous snakes like rattlesnakes, as it is immune to their venom. Its innocuous nature and also its elegant looks make it a pet of choice for people involved in the exotic pet trade.



Eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon couperi)



Eastern indigo snakes are also referred to as "gentle giants" due to their massive size and demeanor. They are the longest native United States snakes and can grow up to 8 feet long (2.4 meters). They primarily reside in Florida and Georgia and are federally listed as threatened due to their habitats being destroyed.
The snake's body is iridescent black, bluish-colored that shines in sunlight. It is harmless and feeds on amphibians, little mammals and other snakes — even the venomous ones. It is extremely docile and plays a significant ecological role in keeping small vertebrates at bay.




Black spitting cobra (Naja nigricincta)



This cobra species is found in southern Africa, Angola and Namibia. The black-necked spitting cobra is unique compared to most snakes since it is able to spit venom onto predators at distances of 8 feet (2.4 meters), targeting the eyes to irritate or blind temporarily. While venomous, it prefers to back off and retreat rather than fight. It is primarily composed of small mammals, birds, and reptiles, and a significant factor within its world as a predator for keeping things leveled at the lower trophic levels.



Eastern Rat Snake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis)




Also known as the black rat snake or chicken snake, this constrictor is found widely in the eastern United States. The adults are usually 6 feet (1.8 meters) in length, but a few are 8 feet (2.4 meters) long. Eastern rat snakes are excellent climbers, usually in barns or trees, where they feed on rodent and bird eggs. They are a form of pest control, especially in agricultural land, so despite their sometimes threatening look, they are useful to humans.



Plain-bellied water snake (Nerodia erythrogaster)



This semi-aquatic, non-venomous water snake inhabits the southeastern U.S., particularly in slow-moving freshwater. It grows up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) long and is a strong swimmer that prefers to eat aquatic fauna like fish and amphibians. Even though it is often mistaken with poisonous kin due to appearance, the plain-bellied water snake is not toxic. Its dislike for human beings and need for aloneness are signs of its good nature.




Black-headed Python (Aspidites melanocephalus)




It only lives in northern Australia and has a dark, shiny head that pigments its otherwise mottled, lighter body. It is typically 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 meters) long.
It eats other reptiles, unlike most pythons. Its dark head is believed to help with thermoregulation, absorbing heat while the body is hidden — a clear advantage among pythons.




Southern Black Racer (Coluber constrictor priapus)



This speedster snake is found in the southeastern United States. Its dark, thin body is renowned for its daytime outings and speed. Generally 5 feet (1.5 meters) in length, it preys on small animals like frogs, rodents and insects. Though it will defend itself when attacked — through biting or gesturing — it is harmless and attempts to avoid humans whenever possible. Its agility and excellent eyesight make it an excellent hunter and valuable pest control agent.




Northern Black Racer (Coluber constrictor constrictor)




It is a close relative of its southern cousin and is found in the northeastern United States. It's the same size and behavior but is found more frequently in woodland and edge habitats. It can vibrate its tail in dry leaves rustling and mimic the rattlesnake when threatened — a feint, not a bite. It is also a key controller of small vertebrates in its range.




Black pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus lodingi)



Alabama and Mississippi have this little, non-venomous snake. Sandy soil to dig into is its preference, and it digs very deep burrows, so it's one of the more elusive black snakes in the nation. When threatened, it will let out a loud hissing sound and mimic a rattlesnake's vibrating tail. It is not, though, in any way dangerous to people and helps to keep rodent populations under control in its home region.







Black snakes: Common traits and misconceptions


Because their name would imply, not all "black snakes" are strictly black, and they are not a scientifically categorised group. It is really more of a layman's general term for dissimilar species which happen to just be dark in colour. Pigmentation generally serves as camouflage or as a thermoregulatory advantage, such that these reptiles become inconspicuous in the dimmest light conditions or heat up more.

These snakes live in a variety of habitats — from the southeast United States wetlands to Australian deserts to Middle Eastern rock outcroppings. They also consume quite different things, live quite differently, and use very different defence strategies, a testament to their ecological specialisation in specific niches.





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