The Most Beautiful Snake in the World, Ranked

Choose the snake you think is the most beautiful!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 21, 2024 06:27
Snakes often evoke a sense of mystery and intrigue, admired as much for their aesthetic elegance as they are respected for their role in nature's intricate ecology. By ranking the most beautiful snakes, we build a bridge between human admiration and the understanding of these remarkable creatures. Such rankings can highlight the diversity and beauty of snakes, encouraging appreciation and conservation efforts. When users have the opportunity to vote for what they consider the most beautiful snake, they engage more deeply with the natural world, learning about different species and their unique characteristics. This voting process not only fosters a greater appreciation for biodiversity but also helps in educating the public about the importance of these often misunderstood animals in maintaining ecological balance.

What Is the Most Beautiful Snake in the World?

  1. 1
    65
    votes
    Green Tree Python (Morelia viridis)
    Micha L. Rieser · Attribution
    Known for its striking emerald green color and unique pattern, the Green Tree Python is considered one of the most beautiful snakes in the world.
    The Green Tree Python (Morelia viridis) is a remarkable snake known for its stunning appearance and arboreal nature. It belongs to the genus Morelia and is predominantly found in the rainforests of New Guinea, Indonesia, and the Cape York Peninsula in Australia.
    • Color: Vibrant green with yellow or blue markings
    • Length: Average length of 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
    • Weight: Typically weighs around 1-2 kilograms
    • Habitat: Arboreal species found in the canopy of tropical rainforests
    • Diet: Carnivorous diet consisting of small mammals, birds, and reptiles
  2. 2
    29
    votes
    The King Cobra is the world's longest venomous snake and boasts a distinctive hood and beautiful scale patterns.
    The King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is a highly venomous snake known for its impressive size and distinctive appearance. It is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful snake species in the world.
    • Scientific Name: Ophiophagus hannah
    • Family: Elapidae
    • Length: Up to 18.5 feet (5.6 meters)
    • Weight: Up to 20 pounds (9 kilograms)
    • Color: Typically olive-green with pale yellow crossbands
  3. 3
    17
    votes
    Rainbow Boa (Epicrates cenchria)
    Angela Rothermann · CC BY-SA 3.0
    The Rainbow Boa's iridescent scales shimmer with a rainbow of colors in the light, making it a stunning sight to behold.
    The Rainbow Boa (Epicrates cenchria) is a stunningly beautiful snake known for its iridescent rainbow-like scales and mesmerizing patterns. It belongs to the Boidae family and is primarily found in the rainforests of Central and South America. This snake is highly sought after by reptile enthusiasts and is recognized as one of the most visually captivating snakes in the world.
    • Scientific Name: Epicrates cenchria
    • Family: Boidae
    • Habitat: Rainforests of Central and South America
    • Size: Average length of 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
    • Weight: Typically around 2-5 pounds (0.9-2.3 kilograms)
  4. 4
    9
    votes
    The Brazilian Rainbow Boa is a subspecies of the Rainbow Boa with even more vibrant colors and a golden belly.
    The Brazilian Rainbow Boa (Epicrates cenchria chrysogaster) is a stunning snake known for its vibrant and iridescent coloration. This species is native to the rainforests of Brazil and other parts of South America.
    • Scientific Name: Epicrates cenchria chrysogaster
    • Common Name: Brazilian Rainbow Boa
    • Origin: Brazil and other parts of South America
    • Size: Adults can reach lengths between 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters)
    • Coloration: Their dorsal scales display an array of vibrant colors, including dark reds, oranges, and yellows, with a rainbow-like iridescent sheen
  5. 5
    18
    votes
    With its white scales and piercing blue eyes, the Blue-eyed Leucistic Ball Python is a truly stunning snake.
    The Blue-eyed Leucistic Ball Python, also known as the Python regius, is a stunning snake species that captivates with its unique appearance. It is a morph of the ball python, displaying a beautiful combination of blue eyes and a leucistic (lack of pigmentation) coloration, resulting in a striking white and yellow patterned body.
    • Size: Adults typically reach lengths between 3 to 5 feet.
    • Coloration: Distinctive white and yellow patterned body with blue eyes.
    • Habitat: Native to West and Central Africa, but widely kept as captive pets.
    • Lifespan: Can live between 20 to 30 years in captivity with proper care.
    • Temperament: Generally docile and easy to handle, making them popular pets for snake enthusiasts.
  6. 6
    11
    votes
    Mandarin Rat Snake (Euprepiophis mandarinus)
    Papas2010 · Public domain
    The Mandarin Rat Snake's bright orange and black stripes make it one of the most visually striking snakes in the world.
    The Mandarin Rat Snake is a species of snake known for its vibrant and striking appearance. It is primarily found in the mountainous regions of China and Taiwan. Its body is slender and can reach lengths of up to 1.5 meters. The snake has a distinctive color pattern consisting of bright orange, green, and black markings, which help it blend in with its forested habitat.
    • Scientific Name: Euprepiophis mandarinus
    • Family: Colubridae
    • Average Length: 1 - 1.5 meters
    • Habitat: Mountainous regions, forests
    • Geographic Range: China, Taiwan
  7. 7
    9
    votes
    The Black-headed Bushmaster's black and yellow scales and distinctive triangular head make it a beautiful, yet dangerous, snake.
    The Black-headed Bushmaster (Lachesis melanocephala) is an exceptionally beautiful snake species known for its striking appearance. It is part of the Viperidae family and is primarily found in the rainforests of Central and South America. The name 'Black-headed Bushmaster' refers to its distinctive black-colored head, which contrasts with its mostly pale yellow to olive-brown body. Its body is also adorned with irregular patterns and dark brown or black scales.
    • Length: Average length of 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
    • Weight: Can weigh up to 8-10 pounds (3.6-4.5 kilograms)
    • Venom: Possesses potent venom that can be fatal to humans if bitten
    • Habitat: Primarily found in dense rainforests, often near streams or wet areas
    • Camouflage: Its coloration helps it to blend in with its surroundings, providing effective camouflage
  8. 8
    10
    votes
    Emerald Tree Boa (Corallus caninus)
    Tiia Monto · CC BY-SA 3.0
    The Emerald Tree Boa's bright green color and unique shape make it one of the most visually stunning snakes in the world.
  9. 9
    13
    votes
    The Albino Burmese Python's bright yellow and white scales are a unique and beautiful sight to see.
    The Albino Burmese Python is a visually striking snake known for its beautiful coloration. It is a genetic mutation of the Burmese Python (Python bivittatus) species, resulting in a lack of pigmentation or melanin in its skin. This absence of pigmentation gives the snake a stunning albino appearance, with a predominantly white or cream-colored body and vibrant red or orange eyes.
    • Scientific Name: Python bivittatus
    • Common Name: Albino Burmese Python
    • Origin: Southeast Asia
    • Size: Up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) in length
    • Weight: Up to 200 pounds (90 kilograms)
  10. 10
    6
    votes
    Bismarck Ringed Python (Bothrochilus boa)
    Dawson · CC BY-SA 2.5
    The Bismarck Ringed Python's distinctive black and white pattern and bright red eyes make it a striking and unique snake.
    The Bismarck Ringed Python, scientifically known as Bothrochilus boa, is a highly sought-after species of snake renowned for its vibrant and intricate pattern. Named after the German statesman Otto von Bismarck, this python possesses a mesmerizing coloration of deep iridescent blues, rich greens, and contrasting yellows, which form unique ring-like markings along its body.
    • Size: Average length of 5-7 feet
    • Weight: Around 15-20 pounds
    • Habitat: Native to the islands of New Guinea
    • Diet: Carnivorous - feeds on small mammals, birds, and reptiles
    • Venomous: Non-venomous

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Ranking factors for beautiful snake

  1. Coloration and Patterns
    Consider the richness and diversity of colors displayed on the snake's scales, as well as the intricacy and uniqueness of patterns. Some snakes exhibit brilliant, vibrant colors, while others showcase stunning patterns that make them stand out.
  2. Iridescence
    Some snakes have an iridescent sheen on their scales, which can create a mesmerizing, shimmering effect when they move or catch the light. This can significantly add to their overall beauty.
  3. Body Shape and Size
    A snake's body shape and size can also contribute to its beauty. Take into account if the snake is slender or robust, as well as its length, as these factors can lend the snake an elegant or powerful appearance.
  4. Adaptations and Unique Features
    Check if the snake has any unique physical features or adaptations, such as unusual head shapes, distinctive markings, or specialized behaviors that contribute to its overall attractiveness.
  5. Rarity
    A snake's rarity can also play a role in its beauty, as some species are highly sought after and admired due to their scarcity in the wild or in captivity.
  6. Environmental Context
    Some snakes may appear more beautiful in their natural environment or when their coloration and patterns are adapted to blend in with or stand out against their surroundings.
  7. Cultural and Symbolic Significance
    The cultural and symbolic significance of a snake species may also affect how beautiful it is perceived to be. In some cultures, certain snake species may be revered for their beauty or association with deities, legends, or myths.
  8. Behavior and Temperament
    The behavior and temperament of a snake can also contribute to its perceived beauty. Some people may find a docile, calm snake more beautiful compared to an aggressive, defensive snake.
  9. Cleanliness and Health
    A healthy, well-maintained snake is more likely to be considered beautiful in comparison to a sickly or poorly-cared-for snake. This includes cleanliness of the scales, alertness, and the absence of physical deformities or illnesses.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful snake in the world. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or snake is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1780 views
  • 184 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each snake once every 24 hours. The rank of each snake is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most beautiful snake in the world

Snakes are fascinating creatures that have captured the attention of people around the world for centuries. While many people might be afraid of these slithering reptiles, there's no denying that they are an important part of our ecosystem. With over 3,000 species of snakes in the world, there are many different colors, patterns, and sizes to appreciate. When it comes to beauty, there are a few species that stand out above the rest. From the vibrant green of the emerald tree boa to the intricate patterns of the reticulated python, there is no shortage of stunning snakes to admire. So, what is the most beautiful snake in the world? It's a difficult question to answer, as beauty is in the eye of the beholder. However, we've put together a list of some of the most stunning snakes on the planet for you to explore.

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