There are so many different types of snakes in the world. Snakes are important to their environments as they help to keep food webs in check and add to them. They are natural predators that manage pest populations like bugs and small rodents, while also being food for raptors and mammals.
While many snakes have significant roles or are poisonous, some are harmless, cute, make great pets, or become the subject of memes on the internet. Here are 7 snakes that are not only adorable but are essential to their ecosystems.
1. Arabian Sand Boa
The Arabian Sand Boa has been affectionately referred to as ‘derpy’ and ‘dumb-looking’ due to its unique appearance, which resembles a child’s drawing. This snake is found in the Arabian Peninsula and is known for its googly-like eyes that rest on the top of its head, giving it a sock puppet look. Despite its silly appearance, this snake is a skilled hunter, using its eye position to look out for prey while buried in the sand.
Arabian Sand Boas are known for their diet of small mammals and lizards. Their coloration, ranging from black or brown to orange or yellow, allows them to blend in with their sandy environment. These boas lay eggs, with females laying about 7 at a time, and are larger than male snakes. Capturing and successfully breeding Arabian Sand Boas in the U.S. is rare and challenging, according to Rufus Darden Reptiles.
The Arabian Sand Boa is not venomous, but it is known for its unique, non-threatening appearance rather than for poisonous qualities.
Learn more: Meet Titanoboa: The Biggest Snake In the World
2. Barbados Threadsnake
This species was discovered in 2006 and officially described and published in Zootaxa in 2008. Female Barbados threadsnakes lay one lengthened, tube-like egg.
The Barbados threadsnake is found burrowing in the forests of eastern Barbados. Its tiny size and burrowing abilities led scientists to believe that it eats the insect larvae of ants and termites.
The Barbados threadsnake is believed to be non-venomous. This tiny snake is currently the world’s smallest known snake and poses no threat to humans, with adults only reaching 4.1 inches in length.