Black and white snakes exhibit a unique and captivating beauty with their contrasting colors and striking patterns. From sleek stripes to mesmerizing spots, these serpents are fascinating within the snake kingdom.
When we think of snakes, vibrant colors and intricate patterns often come to mind. However, black and white snake offer a different kind of beauty. Their contrasting hues create an elegant and captivating visual impact. Whether it’s the sleek black body with crisp white bands of the California kingsnake or the striking black-and-white spotted pattern of the Dalmatian python, these snake exhibit a unique charm that commands attention.
Are Black And White Snakes Venomous?
Black and white snakes encompass various species, some of which are venomous while others are not.
- Venomous: Many black and white snakes, such as the Western Massasauga, are evil. Their venom can be dangerous and potentially fatal without proper medical treatment.
- Mildly Venomous: Many black and white snakes are mildly venomous. For example, the Puget Sound Gartersnake is now considered a mildly venomous species due to its poisonous saliva.
- Non-venomous: Certain black and white snakes, like the Speckled Kingsnake, are non-venomous and pose no health risks to humans. However, they may resist the bites of other venomous snakes and can even prey on juvenile venomous snakes.
It’s important to remember that non-venomous black and white snakes do not exclude the possibility of encountering evil ones. Always exercise caution and seek professional guidance when dealing with snakes.
List Of Black And White Snakes
1. Bandy-Bandy (Hoop Snake)
| Scientific Name | Vermicella annulata |
| Coloration | Black and white banding pattern |
| Banding Pattern | Alternating bands encircling the body |
| Band Width | Black bands are broader, white bands are narrower |
| Venomous | Mildly venomous |
| Length | Typically around 30-50 centimeters (12-20 inches) |
| Habitat | Found in sandy or loamy soils, often near water |
| Distribution | Native to Australia |
The bandy-bandy, also known as the hoop snake, is a black and white snake with smooth-shiny black scales adorned with horizontal white banded stripes from head to tail. Despite their captivating appearance, these snakes possess potent venom that can be highly lethal to humans in significant quantities. The bandy-bandy’s venom consists of neurotoxins that specifically target the nervous system. In various parts of Australia, there are six species of bandy-bandy, and they primarily prey on other snakes.
2. Black-Tailed Rattlesnake
| Scientific Name | Crotalus molossus |
| Coloration | Gray or brown with black bands and a black tail |
| Body Length | Average length of 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters) |
| Venom | Venomous |
| Venom Type | Hemotoxic venom |
| Rattlesnake Behavior | Rattle on the tail for warning |
| Habitat | Found in arid regions, deserts, and grasslands |
| Range | Rattle on the tail for a warning |
| Diet | Small mammals, birds, lizards, and rodents |
| Reproduction | Viviparous (gives birth to live young) |
The black-tailed rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus) is a venomous snake found in Mexico and the United States, particularly in the southwestern regions, including Texas, Arizona, and Central Mexico. Within the black and white snakes category, four species of black-tailed rattlesnakes exhibit variations in coloration. As adults, they reach medium-sized lengths of up to 42 inches. While primarily black and white, some individuals may display additional hues like browns and olive green. Notably, they feature a distinctive mask-like black marking on their face.
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3. Suzhen’s Krait
| Scientific Name | Bungarus suzhenae |
| Coloration | Black with thin white or yellow bands |
| Body Length | Average length of 0.8-1 meter (2.6-3.3 ft) |
| Venom | Highly venomous |
| Venom Type | Neurotoxic venom |
| Distribution | Endemic to southern China |
| Habitat | Forested areas and agricultural lands |
| Diet | Small reptiles, frogs, and occasionally small mammals |
| Behavior | Nocturnal and secretive |
| Conservation Status | Data Deficient |
Suzhen’s krait (Bungarus suspense) is a newly identified species. This new member of the list of black and white snakes was first documented in 2021. It receives its name from Bai Su Zhen, the Chinese snake goddess from the “Legend of the White Snake.” It is found in southwestern China and northern Myanmar.
Although this species of krait wasn’t formally identified until 2021, it has a long history. In 2001, herpetologist Joseph B. Slowinski was bitten by what was thought to be a black-and-white banded krait. He later passed from these wounds, leading to various studies into the snake species that bit him. These studies showed a different species than the black-and-white banded krait: Suzhen’s krait.
Kraits are dangerous, and many can be identified through their black-and-white coloration. Suzhen’s krait sports a white belly and large, black splotches on its back, or dorsal, side. These black markings tend to overlap or touch, making a solid black dorsal side appear.
4. Western Massasauga
| Scientific Name | Sistrurus catenatus |
| Coloration | Gray or light brown with dark brown blotches |
| Body Length | Average length of 18-30 inches (46-76 cm) |
| Venom | Venomous |
| Venom Type | Hemotoxic venom |
| Rattlesnake Behavior | Rattles on the tail as a warning |
| Habitat | Wetlands, prairies, and grasslands |
| Range | Central and eastern United States, parts of Canada |
| Diet | Small mammals, birds, and reptiles |
| Reproduction | Viviparous (gives birth to live young) |
| Conservation Status | Threatened |
The western massasauga (Sistrurus terminus) is another venomous black and white snake found in the United States and Mexico. Although it belongs to the same family as the black-tailed rattlesnake, it is not a type of rattlesnake but is classified as a pit viper. Adult western massasaugas can reach lengths between 14 and 36 inches. There are two species within this group: S. t. terminus, also known as the plains massasauga, found in the Great Plains, and S. t. edwardsii, or the desert massasauga, found in the desert regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Some individuals may exhibit black spots that appear dark brown or gray instead.
5. Common Kingsnake
| Scientific Name | Lampropeltis getula |
| Coloration | Black with yellow or white bands |
| Body Length | Average length of 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters) |
| Venom | Non-venomous |
| Diet | Rodents, birds, lizards, snakes, and eggs |
| Habitat | Diverse habitats, including forests, grasslands, and deserts |
| Range | Throughout North America |
| Behavior | Constrictors; prey on other snakes |
| Reproduction | Oviparous (lays eggs) |
| Conservation Status | Not globally threatened |
The Common Kingsnake, also known as the Eastern Kingsnake or chain kingsnake, is a widespread non-venomous black and white snake found throughout the United States. These kingsnakes can reach lengths of up to 208.2 cm. They have a shiny black coloration with narrow white stripes running from head to tail.
The Common Kingsnake goes by several common names, including Black Kingsnake, North American Kingsnake, and Pine Kingsnake, among others. Like other kingsnakes, they primarily feed on a variety of small snakes, including venomous coral snakes and other rattlesnakes.
6. Butler’s Wolf Snake
| Scientific Name | Lycodon butleri |
| Coloration | Black or dark brown with white or yellow markings |
| Body Length | Average length of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) |
| Venom | Non-venomous |
| Diet | Small mammals, birds, lizards, and frogs |
| Habitat | Forested areas, grasslands, and agricultural lands |
| Range | Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and Malaysia |
| Behavior | Nocturnal and secretive |
| Reproduction | Oviparous (lays eggs) |
| Conservation Status | Not globally threatened |
Butler’s Wolf Snake belongs to the non-venomous wolf snake species within the family Colubridae. They have a striking appearance with shiny black scales and elegant narrow white stripes that extend evenly from the back of the neck to the tail.
Like many amphibians and reptiles, Butler’s Wolf Snakes are oviparous, laying eggs as part of their reproductive process. In terms of diet, these snakes primarily feed on rodents, geckos, lizards, and skinks, showcasing their adaptability and diverse prey preferences.
7. Common Garter Snake
| Scientific Name | Thamnophis sirtalis |
| Coloration | Varied colors, including green, brown, and black, with longitudinal stripes |
| Body Length | Average length of 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters) |
| Venom | Non-venomous |
| Diet | Small vertebrates, such as amphibians, fish, and insects |
| Habitat | Diverse habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands |
| Range | North America, from Canada to Central America |
| Behavior | Active during the day; often found near water |
| Reproduction | Viviparous (gives birth to live young) |
| Conservation Status | Not globally threatened |
If you’ve ever seen a common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis), there’s a chance you’re wondering how it ended up on a list of black and white snake. This is because they can come in various morphs or colors. While there is a black-and-white morph of the garter snake, some morphs don’t feature either of these colors!
Garter snakes are thin, although they can grow up to around 4 feet long. They produce mild venom. It can be effective when hunting their prey, such as small amphibians, but it doesn’t pose a medical emergency to humans.
8. Desert-Striped Whipsnake
| Scientific Name | Masticophis (Coluber) taeniatus |
| Coloration | Olive or tan with dark brown or black stripes |
| Body Length | Average length of 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters) |
| Venom | Non-venomous |
| Diet | Small rodents, lizards, birds, and insects |
| Habitat | Desert and semi-arid regions |
| Range | Southwestern United States and Mexico |
| Behavior | Diurnal and fast-moving |
| Reproduction | Oviparous (lays eggs) |
| Conservation Status | Not globally threatened |
The striped whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus) earns recognition for its distinctive black dorsal side and a prominent white, vertical stripe that runs along its body, distinguishing this nonvenomous snake species. While commonly seen in black and white, it can also exhibit variations in coloration, including shades of brown or olive green. Native to the western United States and northern Mexico, it can be found as far south as Michoacán. The striped whipsnake comprises two subspecies: Masticophis taeniatus girardi and Masticophis taeniatus taeniatus. By honoring his contributions, the renowned French herpetologist, Charles Frédéric Girard, gained recognition through the naming of the subspecies Masticophis taeniatus girardi after him. Meanwhile, the desert whipsnake, Masticophis taeniatus taeniatus, acquired its name due to its habitat preference.
9. Laotian Wolf Snake
| Scientific Name | Lycodon laoensis |
| Coloration | Gray or brown with irregular white or yellow markings |
| Body Length | Average length of 1.5-2.5 feet (0.5-0.8 meters) |
| Venom | Non-venomous |
| Diet | Small mammals, birds, lizards, and frogs |
| Habitat | Forested areas, grasslands, and agricultural lands |
| Range | Laos and surrounding regions |
| Behavior | Nocturnal and secretive |
| Reproduction | Oviparous (lays eggs) |
| Conservation Status | Data Deficient |
The Laotian Wolf Snake is a non-venomous snake belonging to the colubrid snake species native to regions of Asia. It exhibits nocturnal behavior and is known for its burrowing tendencies.
This snake displays a striking appearance with a completely black body accompanied by yellow crossbands on the dorsal side and white crossbands on the ventral side. With a maximum size of around 20 inches, Laotian Wolf Snakes are generally non-aggressive and reluctant to bite. Their diet primarily consists of small rodents, frogs, geckos, and lizards.
Conclusion
Black and white snakes are a diverse group of reptiles with intriguing characteristics. Some are venomous, while others are harmless. Their distinct coloration adds to their allure and uniqueness. It is important to approach all snakes with caution and respect, regardless of their evil or non-venomous nature. By appreciating and understanding these fascinating creatures, we can contribute to their conservation and coexistence in our ecosystems. Let us strive to protect and appreciate the beauty of black and white snake for future generations to enjoy.
FAQs
1. Are all black and white snakes venomous?
No, not all black and white snakes are venomous. There are both venomous and non-venomous species among black and white snakes. It is important to identify the specific species to determine its venomous nature.
2. How can I differentiate between a venomous and non-venomous black and white snake?
Differentiating between venomous and non-venomous black and white snake can be challenging. It is always best to exercise caution and only approach any snake if you have proper knowledge or expertise. If uncertain, consult with snake experts or local authorities for assistance.
3. Can black and white snakes be kept as pets?
Some black and white snake species can be kept as pets, but it requires proper care, knowledge, and legal considerations. It is important to research the specific species and their requirements before considering them as pets. Always ensure you acquire snakes from reputable sources.
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