The vast majority of snakes have what are called “ slit pupils “. This means that their eyes have vertical instead of round pupils. Some snakes however such as the boa constrictor and the python have round pupils. How do these different types of pupils affect a snake’s vision?
Slit Pupils
The vertical slit pupil is common among snakes that are active during the day. This type of pupil allows the snake to see clearly in both bright light and dim light. The slit pupil also gives the snake very good depth perception.
Some snakes such as the cobra have pupils that open very wide in bright light and almost close in dim light. This allows the cobra to see well in both bright and dim conditions but it does not have as good depth perception as a snake with a slit pupil.
Round Pupils
The round pupil is found in snakes that are active at night such as the boa constrictor and the python. The round pupil is very good at gathering light so these snakes can see well in low-light conditions. However the round pupil does not allow the snake to see as well in bright light as the slit pupil does.
So how do snakes see? It depends on the type of pupil the snake has. Slit pupils are good for snakes that are active during the day while round pupils are good for snakes that are active at night.
How do snakes see?
Answer 1: With their tongue! snakes have a very long tongue that they stick out to smell their prey.
It is also forked so that they can tell which way the prey is moving.
What do snakes eat?
Answer 2: Usually small mammals such as rodents or birds but some snakes eat other snakes lizards eggs fish or insects.
How do snakes kill their prey?
Answer 3: By constriction! a snake will wrap its body around the animal and squeeze tighter and tighter until the animal can no longer breathe.
How does a snake move?
Answer 4: They slither! Snakes use their belly scales to move forward.
They push off of the ground with their muscular body and slide across the ground.
What is the biggest snake in the world?
Answer 5: The reticulated python! These snakes can grow to be as long as 30 feet (9 meters).
What is the smallest snake in the world?
Answer 6: The thread snake! These tiny creatures only grow to be about 4 inches (10 cm) long.
Are all snakes venomous?
Answer 7: No! In fact only about 25% of all snakes are venomous.
How do venomous snakes kill their prey?
Answer 8: By injecting them with venom! Venomous snakes have two long fangs that they use to puncture their victim.
The venom then travels through the bloodstream and quickly paralyzes the animal.
How do venomous snakes differ from non-venomous snakes?
Answer 9: Venomous snakes have two long fangs that they use to inject their venom while non-venomous snakes have shorter teeth that they use to eat their prey.
What is the most venomous snake in the world?
Answer 10: The inland taipan! This snake has enough venom to kill 100 humans with just one bite.
What is the difference between a snake and a serpent?
Answer 11: There is no difference! The terms “snake” and “serpent” can be used interchangeably.
Where do snakes live?
Answer 12: Snakes can be found on every continent except Antarctica.
Are snakes cold-blooded?
Answer 13: Yes! Snakes are ectotherms which means that they rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature.
How do snakes shed their skin?
Answer 14: Snakes shed their skin in one piece! They will rub against a rough surface to help loosen their skin and then wriggle out of it.
Do snakes have bones?
Answer 15: Yes! Snakes have a flexible skeleton made up of about 500 bones.
