The 8 Largest Snake Species on Earth (and 10 of the smallest)

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

A Closeup of an Anaconda
garten-gg/PixaBay

Snakes are a fascinating and diverse group of creatures, ranging from the giants that command awe to the minuscule serpents that slip by unnoticed. Whether it’s the massive, mighty reticulated python or the tiny, delicate thread snake, these reptiles come in all sizes, each with its unique charm and role in the ecosystem. Discover the largest and smallest snake species on Earth, and be amazed by their adaptability, beauty, and the sheer variety they bring to the world of herpetology.

1. Reticulated Python

Reticulated Pythons
Tirriko/Pixabay

The Reticulated Python is the giant among giants, boasting lengths that can exceed 30 feet. This snake isn’t just long; its patterned skin adds a mesmerizing aesthetic, making it a standout in both the wild and captivity. Known for its hunting prowess and powerful constriction, the Reticulated Python dominates its environment. Despite its size, it moves with surprising grace, and while it’s not typically dangerous to humans, it requires experienced handling due to its immense power.

2. Green Anaconda

Green Anaconda
MKAMPIS, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons

The Green Anaconda holds the title of the heaviest snake on the planet. While its length doesn’t quite match the Reticulated Python, it compensates with girth, sometimes reaching over 500 pounds. Found in the swamps and rivers of South America, this massive serpent slithers effortlessly through the water, showcasing both its strength and stealth. Its size makes it an apex predator in its ecosystem, capable of consuming prey much larger than most snakes can manage.

3. Burmese Python

Burmese Python
Shadow Ayush, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons

Burmese Pythons, stretching up to 25 feet long, are known for their calm nature and impressive size. As one of the largest snakes in the world, they are frequently kept as exotic pets, though their length and strength can be overwhelming. These snakes have a robust build, and their hunting techniques, using constriction to subdue prey, make them formidable creatures in the wild. Burmese Pythons are particularly noticeable for their light brown and cream-colored scales, adding to their regal presence.

4. African Rock Python

African Rock Python
kirillvasilevcom/123rf

The African Rock Python, one of the largest species in Africa, can grow up to 20 feet. With a muscular, thick body and the strength to overpower animals much larger than itself, it stands out among the largest snake species. Often found in diverse habitats, this python’s hunting skills are legendary, using both its size and constriction ability to catch a wide range of prey, from mammals to birds. Its commanding presence and impressive girth are its most notable features.

5. Yellow Anaconda

A Yellow Anaconda
ignartonosbg/PixaBay

The Yellow Anaconda, while smaller than the Green Anaconda, still commands attention. Reaching lengths of up to 15 feet, this snake has a unique yellowish hue, giving it a beautiful appearance as it glides through the water. Known for its incredible strength, it hunts both in water and on land, often ambushing prey. Despite its somewhat smaller size compared to its relatives, the Yellow Anaconda’s presence is enough to make it a top predator in its environment.

6. Indian Python

An Indian Python
Pratik Jain, CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikimedia Commons

Indian Pythons, growing to around 13–20 feet, are massive serpents that share many similarities with their Burmese relatives. These non-venomous constrictors rely on their immense strength to subdue prey. While they are not typically as aggressive as other species, their size alone makes them formidable predators. Their thick, muscular bodies and muted, earthy-colored scales make them an impressive sight, both in the wild and in captivity.

7. Boa Constrictor

An Emperor Boa Constrictor
sipa/PixaBay

The Boa Constrictor may not be the longest or heaviest of the giant snake species, but it’s still incredibly impressive. Reaching lengths of up to 13 feet, these snakes are known for their powerful constriction abilities, which they use to subdue prey. Found in Central and South America, they have become iconic in both popular culture and as exotic pets. Their strength and versatility in various habitats make them a top predator, while their calm demeanor adds to their allure.

8. Amethystine Python

An Amethystine Python
Mike from Canada – CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons

Native to New Guinea and northern Australia, the Amethystine Python is one of the largest non-venomous snakes in the world, capable of growing up to 20 feet. With a glossy, iridescent sheen to its scales, this snake is a beauty to behold. Though they are not as commonly seen as some of the other giant snake species, their impressive size and stealthy movement in the wild make them an apex predator. Their slow and deliberate hunting style adds to their mysterious aura.

9. Threadsnake

A Threadsnake
Ryan van Huyssteen, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons

The Threadsnake is the smallest snake species in the world, measuring only about 4 inches in length. Resembling tiny earthworms, these snakes are often overlooked due to their diminutive size. Despite their small stature, threadsnakes play an important role in their ecosystems by consuming small invertebrates. Their appearance is both fascinating and delicate, making them a wonder for those interested in the smallest creatures that often go unnoticed in the natural world.

10. Barbados Threadsnake

A Barbados Threadsnake
By Velatrix, CC0/Wikimedia Commons

The Barbados Threadsnake is another contender for the title of the world’s smallest snake. With an average length of just 4 inches, it rivals the Threadsnake in size. These serpents are so tiny they can easily curl up around a finger. Found only in Barbados, they live underground, feeding on insects and larvae. Their size makes them incredibly fragile, and their existence highlights the astounding diversity of life on our planet, especially among creatures that can be easily missed.

11. Leptotyphlops

Leptotyphlops
Ryan van Huyssteen – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons

Leptotyphlops, or “blind snakes,” are incredibly small, growing to only 4–12 inches in length. Their slender bodies and small heads make them resemble worms, which helps them stay hidden from predators. They are found in the southern United States and other parts of the world, living underground where they feed on ants and termites. Despite their size, Leptotyphlops are highly efficient predators, using their sharp sense of smell to detect prey in their dark environments.

12. Short-headed Garter Snake

A Short-headed Garter Snake
Bgenter – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons

At just 10–15 inches long, the Short-headed Garter Snake is one of the smaller members of the garter snake family. While they are not as tiny as some other species, their small size makes them agile and elusive. These snakes are often found in grasslands and wetlands, where they hunt small amphibians and insects. Their bright markings make them an attractive addition to the world of snakes, and their small size allows them to fit into tighter spaces, making them fascinating creatures for enthusiasts.

13. Western Blind Snake

A Western Blind Snake
nmoorhatch, CC BY 4.0/Wikimedia Commons

The Western Blind Snake is a small species, measuring only 6–12 inches in length. Known for their underground lifestyle, these snakes feed primarily on ants and larvae. Their small, smooth bodies allow them to move easily through soil, making them an essential part of the ecosystem by controlling insect populations. While they are not often seen, their unique behaviors and small size make them an intriguing species for anyone interested in the natural world’s more secretive creatures.

14. Ringneck Snake

A Ringneck Snake with a sleek gray body, an orange ring around its neck, and a vibrant red-orange underside, coiled on a rocky surface.
2CyborgCats/Reddit

Ringneck Snakes, growing to just 9–15 inches in length, are small but strikingly beautiful. With vibrant, colorful rings around their necks and smooth, shiny scales, they are a standout species in the world of small snakes. Despite their diminutive size, they are skilled hunters, feeding on amphibians, small reptiles, and invertebrates. Their small size and calm temperament make them a favorite among snake enthusiasts who appreciate the quiet beauty of these petite serpents.

15. Kirtland’s Snake

A Kirtland's Snake
Bgenter, CC0/Wikimedia Commons

Kirtland’s Snake, measuring only 14–18 inches in length, is a small, non-venomous species found in the United States. Their bright pinkish-red coloration, contrasted with darker spots, makes them one of the most eye-catching small snakes. Kirtland’s Snakes are rare and threatened, making them a unique addition to the list of tiny serpents. Their small size allows them to move through dense vegetation, where they feed on insects, earthworms, and small amphibians.

16. Leaf-Scaled Sea Snake

 A Leaf-scaled Sea Snake
helping.australian.critters/Instagram

The Leaf-Scaled Sea Snake is a small species, typically measuring around 15 inches and is found in the coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific. Their size allows them to blend into their environment, with scales that resemble the appearance of leaves. Despite their small stature, they are venomous, making them a dangerous presence in the waters they inhabit. Their small size allows them to move swiftly in the ocean, making them effective hunters, preying on fish and eels.

17. Taiwanese Blind Snake

 A Taiwanese Blind Snake
jinghao1125/Instagram

The Taiwanese Blind Snake is a petite and intriguing species, typically measuring around 4–8 inches in length. Found in Taiwan and nearby regions, this snake spends its life burrowed underground, feeding on ants, termites, and larvae. Its smooth, shiny body resembles a worm, aiding in its camouflage and making it nearly invisible to predators. Despite its small size and elusive nature, this snake plays a critical ecological role in controlling insect populations, showcasing how even the smallest creatures contribute to their environment.

18. Worm Snake

 A Worm Snake
herpinghopperboyz/Instagram

The Worm Snake, typically around 7–13 inches in length, is a small, burrowing species with smooth, shiny scales that resemble an earthworm. Found in North America, it inhabits loose, moist soil where it hides under rocks, logs, and leaf litter. This shy snake is a nocturnal predator, feeding primarily on ants and termites, using its pointed snout to navigate underground tunnels. Its unobtrusive nature and vital role in controlling insect populations make it an essential, albeit rarely seen, component of its ecosystem.

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