Colubridae is the largest family of snakes, encompassing nearly two-thirds of all known snake species. Colubrids are found worldwide,except Antarctica, and display a remarkable range of sizes, colors, and ecological roles. Most colubrids are non-venomous or have venom that is harmless to humans, and they occupy diverse habitats from forests to deserts.
- Largest snake family: ~1,800 species
- Global distribution: all continents except Antarctica
- Mostly non-venomous; some with mild venom
- Diverse lifestyles: terrestrial, arboreal, aquatic
*Colubridae* includes about two-thirds of all snake species, both venomous and non-venomous, living in diverse habitats worldwide.
Colubrid snakes are not found in Antarctica.
Common Characteristics
Colubrids typically have slender bodies, smooth scales, and well-developed heads distinct from the neck. They exhibit aglyphous or opisthoglyphous dentition—meaning most lack true front fangs, while some possess rear fangs for delivering mild venom. Their diversity is reflected in varied reproductive modes (oviparous or viviparous) and diets, including insects, amphibians, eggs, and small mammals.
- Slender, smooth-scaled bodies
- Head often distinct from neck
- Most lack specialized front fangs (aglyphous), some rear-fanged (opisthoglyphous)
- Varied diets: insects, rodents, amphibians, eggs
- Both egg-laying and live-bearing species
Colubrids have slender bodies, smooth scales, and some have rear fangs; they do not have well-developed front fangs like vipers.
Colubrids typically have either aglyphous (no specialized fangs) or opisthoglyphous (rear-fanged) dentition.
Source Material
Author: American Museum of Natural History
Document: Colubridae - Snakes
Date Published: 2024
Notable Examples of Colubrids
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Key Features | Habitat | Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garter Snake | Thamnophis | Striped pattern, mild venom | Freshwater | North America |
| Rat Snake | Pantherophis | Good climbers, rodent predators | Forests, fields | North America, Asia |
| Boomslang | Dispholidus typus | Highly venomous (rear-fanged) | Arboreal | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Corn Snake | Pantherophis guttatus | Popular pet, vibrant orange/red | Woodlands | Southeastern U.S. |
| Milk Snake | Lampropeltis | Mimics venomous coral snakes | Varied | Americas |
Garter snakes, rat snakes, and milk snakes are colubrids, while cobras are not (they're elapids).
Boomslangs are notable for their highly venomous rear fangs.
Source Material
Author: National Geographic
Document: Colubridae: The Largest Snake Family
Date Published: 2023
Conclusion
The family Colubridae includes a remarkable diversity of snakes that dominate most regions of the world (except Antarctica) and span a wide array of ecological niches. Known for their generally harmless relationship to humans, colubrids range from common garter snakes to the highly specialized boomslang.
- Colubridae is the largest snake family, with about 1,800 species.
- Most colubrids are non-venomous, but some have mild or specialized venom.
- Representative genera include Thamnophis (garter snakes), Pantherophis (rat and corn snakes), and Lampropeltis (milk snakes).