All newborn snakes eat insects as their first food. When they grow, they start to consume larger prey. But still, some snakes eat insects even after they grow large. However, most snakes eat other food, like mice and rodents, when they reach adulthood. There are almost 3000 species of snakes worldwide with different diets. Some tend to eat larger prey, and some eat smaller prays like insects that can easily fit in their jaw. These snakes that eat insects are called “insectivorous.”
12 Snakes That Eat Insects
- Sunkissed Corn Snake
- Flowerpot snake
- Garter Snake
- Worm Snake
- Green Snake
- Water Snake
- African Egg Eating Snake
- Cloudy Snail Eater
- Centipede Snake
- Ribbon Snakes
- Pythons
- Ring Snake
1- Sunkissed Corn Snake
Sunkissed corn snakes are a popular breed of pet snake native to the southeastern United States. Their name is derived from their distinctively bright and vibrant colouration, resembling a sunkissed cornfield. These snakes have a rich history, having been kept as pets and admired for their unique markings and docile nature for centuries.
In terms of appearance, the sunkissed corn snake is truly a sight to behold. They have a remarkable blend of bright oranges, reds, and yellows dotted with bold stripes and speckles. Their skin is sleek and glossy, and their eyes are luminous and vigilant. Snakes of a moderate size, typically not exceeding five feet, make them a great option for those new to owning snakes.
When it comes to diet, sunkissed corn snakes are primarily carnivorous. In the wild, they feed on various small rodents, birds, and reptiles and occasionally consume eggs. In captivity, these snakes can be fed a diet of appropriately-sized mice or rats and other small prey items. It’sIt’s essential to ensure that their food is sized correctly, as overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health issues.
In their natural habitat, sunkissed corn snakes are typically found in grasslands, forests, and wetlands. They prefer areas with plenty of hiding places, such as fallen logs and leaf litter, as well as access to water. In captivity, providing them with an appropriate enclosure that mimics their natural habitat, including plenty of hiding places, a water source, and an appropriate substrate is essential.
2- Flowerpot Snake
The Flowerpot snake, also known as the Asian vine snake or Ahaetulla nasuta, is a colubrid snake native to Southeast Asia. These fascinating snakes have a rich history, having been kept as pets and admired for their unique beauty for centuries.
In terms of appearance, Flowerpot snakes are truly stunning creatures. They are slender, with long and narrow bodies that are typically green in color. Their scales are smooth and glossy, with distinctive black markings on their heads and bodies. An interesting quality of theirs is their elongated snouts, which lend them an appearance of a flower pot and help them to blend in with their natural surroundings.
Regarding diet, Flowerpot snakes are carnivorous and feed on small vertebrates such as lizards, frogs, and other small snakes. They are also known to eat insects and, occasionally, small rodents. These snakes are considered skilled hunters, using their speed and agility to catch their prey.
Flowerpot snakes are discovered in a diversity of habitats including rainforests, wetlands, and even cities. They are tree-dwelling, meaning they consume most of their time in trees and shrubs, tracking for prey and shirking predators. They are also outstanding climbers, able to move rapidly and gracefully through even the thinnest branches.
3- Garter Snake
Garter snakes are widespread non-venomous colubrid snakes found throughout North America. These snakes have a long and rich history, having been admired for their beauty and docile nature for centuries.
Regarding appearance, garter snakes are generally brown or green, with particular stripes beside their bodies that could be red, yellow, or white. They are comparatively small, usually expanding to no more than three feet long, and have a slim and stretched body shape. They are known for their calm and docile temperament, making them a popular choice for those new to snake ownership.
Garter snakes are carnivorous, dining on small vertebrates like frogs, fish, and rodents. They are referred to as eating insects and other invertebrates. Contrary to numerous other species of Snakes, garter snakes are not renowned for their ability to contract their prey, rather than depending on their pointed teeth to suppress and swallow their meals.
Garter snakes inhabit a range of environments in their Inherent habitats, ranging from grasslands and forests to wetlands and even suburban enclaves. They are versatile and can survive in several conditions, making their presence widespread in many areas of North America. They have been observed to go into hibernation during the winter months, commonly in large groups, to Sustain energy and persist in colder temperatures.
4- Worm Snake
The worm snake, also known as the Carphophis amoenus, is a small non-venomous colubrid snake native to North America. Despite their modest appearance, these snakes have a long history of appreciation for their unique characteristics.
In terms of appearance, worm snakes are small and slender, typically growing to no more than a foot in length. They are typically brown or grey, with smooth and shiny scales that give them a worm-like appearance. Their eyes are small and often difficult to see, making them well-suited to their subterranean lifestyle.
Regarding nutrition, worm snakes are carnivorous and mainly feed on soft-bodied spineless animals for instance earthworms, slugs, and snails. They are known for their ability to burrow through soil and leaf litter in search of prey, using their specialized teeth to grip and swallow their meals.
Worm snakes can be spotted in deciduous forests, grasslands, and suburban areas in their natural habitat. They are well-equipped to live belowground and are usually found in caves or under rocks and logs. Despite their small size, they are skilled hunters capable of taking down prey much more significant than themselves.
5- Green Snake
Green snakes, also known as the Opheodrys genus, are non-venomous colubrid snakes native to North America. These snakes have a long and fascinating history, having been admired for their beauty and unique characteristics for many years.
In terms of appearance, green snakes are slender and elongated, typically growing to no more than three feet in length. Worm snakes possess a distinctively eye-catching appearance, thanks to their bright green scales that are both smooth and shiny. They are commonly referred to as their large eyes, which are elevated on their heads and give them exceptional vision.
Green snakes natural habitats include forests, fields, and wetlands. They are skilled hunters known for their agility and speed when catching prey. Regardless of their small size, they are competent in depleting prey that is much larger than themselves.
Green snakes are well-equipped to live in trees and usually sunbathe in the sun on tree branches. They are also proficient climbers and can move swiftly and effectively through the trees in search of prey.
6- Water Snakes
Water snakes are commonly nonhazardous, and they can be seen in many areas of the globe, from North America and Europe to Asia. They have a long and historic past, from being presented in mythology to being used as a cause of food. Some cultures even believe the creatures possess spiritual properties!
In terms of appearance, water snakes are typically brown or grey, with dark markings along their backs and sides. They are usually quite large, with some species increasing to lengths of over six feet. They have robust, brawny physiques that allow them to scamper through the water, and their plain tails help them swim skillfully.
Concerning their diet, water snakes are predatory and sustain on fish, frogs, and other aquatic prey. They are skilled hunters known for their ability to ambush prey from underwater. Several species of water snakes are also recognized to eat small mammals and birds.
Water snakes can be unearthed in numerous environments, comprising lakes, rivers, and streams. They are well-equipped to live in the water and are repeatedly seen swimming or soaking up on rocks and logs along the shoreline. They are also proficient climbers and can move speedily and skillfully through trees and other vegetation in hunt of prey.
7- African Egg Eating Snake
African egg-eating snakes, or Dasypeltis species, are non-venomous snakes in sub-Saharan Africa. These snakes have a exceptional and exhilarating history, having been used in conventional medicine and as a food source in some African civilizations.
African egg-eating snakes are relatively small in appearance, typically growing to lengths of two to three feet. They have long, slender bodies and smooth, shiny scales ranging from brown to gray. Their heads are small and narrow, with sharp teeth adapted explicitly for eating eggs.
As their name suggests, African egg-eating snakes have a highly specialized diet that consists almost entirely of bird eggs. They use their pointed fangs to penetrate the eggshells and then consume the entire egg, including its shell. In captivity, they can also be fed a quail or boiled chicken diet.
African egg-eating snakes are encountered in miscellaneous territories, including savannas, forests, and grasslands. They are principally nocturnal and consume most of their time undercover in crevices or burrowing in the ground. They are also excellent climbers and can be found in trees and other vegetation for eating eggs.
8- Cloud Forest Dwarf Boa
Sibon nebulous, also known as the cloud forest dwarf boa, is a non-venomous snake species found in the cloud forests of Central and South America. These snakes have a captivating history, found by European naturalists in the 19th century. They have since become a widespread species in the pet trade due to their unique appearance and gentle temperament.
Sibon nebulous are small, slender snakes, typically growing to lengths of 1-2 feet. They have smooth, shiny scales ranging from gray to brown, with distinctive black and white markings on their heads. They have round pupils and small, blunt heads.
These reptiles are mercenary hunters, and their meals contains of small amphibians, like toads and newts, along with small rodents and bugs. They are also known to eat other snake species occasionally.
Sibon nebulous are found primarily in the cloud forests of Central and South America, where they are well-adapted to humid, relaxed environments. They are arborical snakes, splurging most of their time in the trees and shrubs of the forest shelters. They are predominantly engaged at night when they hunt for prey and traverse the trees in search of appropriate hiding places.
9- Centipede Snake
The centipede snake, also known as the Vietnamese centipede snake, is a unique and fascinating Snake native to Vietnam. This Snake is a relatively recent discovery, having only been identified as a distinct species in the 1990s. It is believed to be a member of the colubrid family of snakes, including a wide variety of species found worldwide.
Appearance-wise, the centipede snake is small and slender, typically measuring 30-40 centimetres long when fully grown. It has a distinctive appearance, with dark, oval-shaped markings running down its back and bright red eyes. One of the captivating characteristics of this Snake is its mimicking skills, the appearance and movement of centipedes, which helps it to avoid hunters in the wild.
In terms of diet, the centipede snake primarily feeds on insects, particularly centipedes, and millipedes. It also eats other small invertebrates, such as spiders and beetles. Given its preference for centipedes, it is no surprise that this Snake has developed a unique adaptation to protect itself against the venomous bites of its prey. It has an elongated and flexible jaw that enables it to swallow centipedes whole without risking injury from their sharp, poisonous legs.
The natural habitat of the centipede snake is the dense forests of Vietnam, where it can be found in leaf litter and undergrowth. These snakes are primarily nocturnal and are often most active during the rainy season when insect populations are at their highest. They are generally docile creatures and are not considered dangerous to humans, although they should still be treated with respect and caution if encountered in the wild.
10- Ribbon Snakes
Ribbon snakes are non-venomous snakes belonging to the genus Thamnophis. They are found in North America and are closely related to garter snakes. These snakes are named for the distinctive ribbon-like stripes that run along their bodies. Ribbon snakes are relatively small, with an average length of about 2-3 feet.
Ribbon snakes are easily recognized by their long, slender bodies and striking patterns. They have a yellow to light brown base colour with three stripes running down their backs. The centre stripe is usually more comprehensive than the two lateral stripes and is typically a dark green or black. The lateral stripes are thinner and are usually a lighter colour than the centre stripe. These snakes also have a yellow or white underside and a pointed snout.
Ribbon snakes are carnivores and feed on small prey, including fish, frogs, and insects. They are active hunters and will stalk and capture their prey with quick strikes. These snakes have been known to eat prey almost as large as themselves.
Ribbon snakes can be found throughout North America, from Canada to Mexico. They are often found near water sources such as streams, ponds, and wetlands. Ribbon snakes prefer to live in dense vegetation, providing cover and hunting opportunities. They are excellent swimmers and are known to spend a lot of time in and around water. Ribbon snakes are an essential part of their ecosystems and can help control populations of small prey animals.
11- Pythons
Pythons are a group of giant, non-venomous snakes native to Africa, Asia, and Australia. They have a long history of human fascination, dating back to ancient times when they were worshipped in some cultures. Pythons are thought to have evolved around 60 million years ago and are closely related to boa constrictors. The name “python” derives from the Greek word “Pytho,” a mythical serpent that guarded the oracle of Delphi.
Pythons are known for their impressive size, with some species reaching lengths of over 20 feet. They have a muscular body, broad heads, and sharp, backwards-curved teeth that allow them to grasp and hold onto prey. Pythons come in various colours and patterns, depending on the species, with some having distinctive markings and others being solid-coloured.
Pythons are carnivorous and feed on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They are ambush predators, waiting for their prey before striking and constricting it with their powerful bodies. Some species of python, such as the Burmese python, are known to be capable of eating enormous prey, including deer and even alligators.
Pythons are found in many habitats, including forests, grasslands, and deserts. Some species of python, such as the reticulated python, are known to be good swimmers and can be found in or near bodies of water. Pythons also adapt well to urban environments and live near human settlements.
12- Ring Snake
The Ring Snake is small and slender in different parts of the world. These snakes belong to the colubrid family, one of the most prominent snake families in the world. They have a long history and have been found in fossils dating back to the Miocene period.
Ring Snakes are easily recognizable due to their unique ringed markings that run along the length of their body. They are usually grey or brown, and their rings can be various shades of these colours. They have a pointed snout and small eyes, and their bodies can grow up to 3 feet long.
Ring Snakes are non-venomous and kill their prey by constriction. These snakes are also recognized for their proficiency to eat other snakes, including poisonous ones, making them an primary part of supervising snake populations in the wild.
Ring Snakes can be discovered in multiple enclosures, including grasslands, forests, and wetlands. They prefer areas with abundant vegetation where they can hide from predators and hunt for prey. These snakes are active during the day and are excellent climbers, allowing them to move around quickly in their habitats.
Do All Snakes Eat Insects?
No, not all snakes eat insects. While some snakes eat insects, such as the rough green Snake and the thread snake, many other species prefer to eat other animals like rodents, birds, fish, and other snakes. Some snakes are even specialized to eat certain types of prey, such as eggs or snails.
FAQs
Which Snakes Do Not Eat Meat?
While Ball Pythons are primarily known for being herbivorous and not consuming any meat, there are occasional reports of them eating small insects or rodents. Despite the fact that Corn Snakes and Garter Snakes are often considered of as omnivorous, current research have shown that they may essentially choose a plant-based diet, with meat being ingested from time to time.
Can Snake Eat Crickets?
Even though it’s correct that most adolescent snakes eat crickets as a essential part of their diet, there are some breed that actually do not eat crickets at any phase of their life.
Conclusion:
Snakes eat insects for a few years constantly when after they are born. Most snakes add other foods like rodents, fish, frogs, squirrels, and other small animals for proper nutrition. They still can eat insects. However, some snake species eat only insects.
