Snakes

Suborder: Serpentes

Appearance

•  Although all snakes have a long, cylindrical body, many species have unique modifications suited to habitats / lifestyles.
•  Examples: burrowing snakes have muscular stout bodies and solid heads; sea snakes have flattened, paddle-like tails; tree-dwelling snakes are long and thin.

Lifecycle

•  Most snakes lay eggs and then abandon them shortly after laying.
•  They reach maturity at two to four years of age and live for about 20 to 30 years.

Habits

•  Dry heaths are the best habitats, but semi-natural areas such as railway embankments, sea walls etc. and most sunny south facing areas with a slope/open vegetation are suitable.
•  All snakes can eat their prey whole as their jaws open very wide, with the upper and lower jaws able to move separately.