Velvet snakes are a group of nonvenomous snakes found in tropical regions around the world. They get their name from their smooth and shiny scales that feel like velvet. There are over 40 species of velvet snake, with the most diversity found in South America and Southeast Asia.
What do velvet snakes look like?
Velvet snakes have slender, cylindrical bodies that can range in length from just a foot or two up to 6 feet for some of the larger species. Their scales are very smooth and glossy, coming in colors like black, brown, gray, green, red and yellow. Many species have brighter colors when young that fade to more muted tones as adults. They have small heads that are not much wider than their necks. Their eyes have round pupils.
One of the most distinctive features of velvet snakes is that they have vestigial hind limbs – small flap-like legs that are nonfunctional remnants from their evolutionary ancestors. These flap-like limbs are located on each side of the vent.
Where do velvet snakes live?
Velvet snakes are found throughout the tropics and subtropics worldwide. Here are some of the places they occur:
- South America – Many species found in the Amazon rainforest and other tropical regions
- Southeast Asia – Numerous species found from Indonesia to the Philippines
- Africa – Species found in tropical rainforests and savannas
- Australia – A few species found in northern regions
- Southern United States – The eastern coral snake found in southeast coastal plains
Velvet snakes inhabit a variety of tropical and subtropical habitats, including rainforests, forests, grasslands, scrublands, and agricultural areas. They are found from sea level up to elevations over 7,000 feet in some mountainous regions.
What do velvet snakes eat?
Velvet snakes are carnivores that feed on a variety of small animals. Their diet consists mainly of:
- Lizards
- Frogs
- Small mammals
- Birds
- Eggs
- Insects
They subdue their prey by constriction, wrapping their bodies around the animal and squeezing it until it suffocates. Velvet snakes have flexible jaws that allow them to consume larger prey items.
Velvet snake behavior
Velvet snakes exhibit some interesting behaviors and adaptations:
- Nocturnal – Most species are nocturnal, active at night when prey is active.
- Semi-arboreal – They are skilled climbers and spend time in trees and shrubs.
- Playing dead – They may feign death by rolling on their backs and opening their mouths when threatened.
- Ovoviviparous – Females retain the eggs inside their body until they hatch, giving birth to live young.
- Mildly venomous – Rear-fanged with venom used to subdue lizards and frogs.
Velvet snakes are solitary and terrestrial, spending most of their time on the ground. They shelter under logs, in burrows, and in crevices. When threatened, they may raise their tail to display the bright underside as a warning.
Reproduction and lifecycle
Most velvet snake species breed annually. Courtship and mating occurs in the spring, and females give birth to live young about 3-6 months later. Litter size ranges from 4 to 40 young, depending on the species. The newborns are about 6-12 inches long at birth.
Velvet snakes employ a reproductive strategy called ovoviviparity. After mating, the female retains the eggs inside her body. The eggs are nourished by a placental connection until they hatch within the female. She then gives birth to fully developed, live young.
Velvet snakes reach sexual maturity between 1-3 years old. Their lifespan in the wild is poorly studied but they likely live up to 10 years. With good care in captivity, they may reach 15-20 years old.
Key velvet snake species
Here are some of the most common and widespread velvet snake species:
| Species | Region |
|---|---|
| Amazonian coral snake | South America |
| Malayan velvet snake | Southeast Asia |
| Western green snake | United States |
| African velvet snake | Sub-Saharan Africa |
Amazonian coral snake
The Amazonian coral snake (Micrurus lemniscatus) is a vibrantly colored species found in the Amazon River basin. It grows to about 4 feet long and comes in red, yellow/white, and black banding.
Malayan velvet snake
The Malayan velvet snake (Calliophis intestinalis) occurs in Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It is a slender black snake with bright red scales on its underside. It reaches up to 3 feet long.
Western green snake
The North American green snake (Opheodrys aestivus) is a bright green species with a yellow or white underside. It is found in the southeastern United States and grows to around 3 feet in length.
African velvet snake
The Saharan velvet snake (Psammophylax variabilis) inhabits the Sahel region of Africa. It has variable coloration but is typically tan, gray or reddish-brown with dark blotches. It reaches up to 5 feet long.
Are velvet snakes dangerous to humans?
Velvet snakes are non-venomous and considered harmless to humans. Most species have small, rear-facing fangs and venom glands used to subdue small prey like lizards. These are not capable of seriously harming humans.
Velvet snakes are timid, shy creatures that will almost never bite defensively. Their species name ‘velvet’ refers to their docile nature. The smooth scales also give them a velvety soft feel when handled. While rare, any snake may bite if threatened – but velvet snakes should not be considered dangerous.
Can you keep a velvet snake as a pet?
Velvet snakes can make interesting pets for an experienced reptile owner. Here are some key considerations for keeping one in captivity:
- Enclosure – A 20-30 gallon terrarium with plenty of hiding spots, climbing branches, substrate and a water bowl.
- Heat & lighting – A thermal gradient from 75-85°F. No special UV lighting needed.
- Humidity – Most species require 50-80% humidity.
- Feeding – Small mice, lizards or frogs offered weekly.
- Handling – Velvet snakes tend to be shy. Gentle handling can acclimate them.
- Permit – Check regulations as some may require permits to keep as pets.
With proper housing and husbandry, velvet snakes can live 10+ years in captivity. Their small size, shy nature and simple care requirements make them suitable exotic pets for the right owner.
Conclusion
Velvet snakes comprise a diverse group of small, nonvenomous colubrid snakes found in tropical regions worldwide. They get their common name from their smooth, glossy scales resembling velvet. Velvet snakes inhabit a variety of habitats from rainforests to grasslands. They feed on small animals like lizards, rodents and frogs. While velvet snakes are harmless to humans, they can make attractive and interesting pets for an experienced reptile keeper.