Snakes Alive! Trivia Quiz

Answer: black mamba

It's no easy feat to outrun a black mamba. This snake makes its home in parts of Africa, particularly sub-Saharan Africa. Although this species is called "black" it is usually gray or brown in color with a long, thin body. The inside of the mouth is black, hence its name. Its venom is toxic. Much like the cobra, the black mamba displays a hooded neck-flap when threatened.

Answer: Barbados

This blind species of snake, known as the Barbados threadsnake, inhabits the eastern part of the island which, at one time, was forested. Herpetologists believe it's the native habitat of this species. Their diet consists of ant larvae and termites. The females lay only one egg and it's a big one, half the size of the mother. Since their natural habitat has all but disappeared, conservationists are concerned about the future of this species.

Answer: oviparous

Snakes that retain their eggs are known as ovoviviparous. Those snakes that give birth to live young are known as viviparous. Snakes in general are not known for their nurturing skills. No snake species looks after its young after birth so the young are forced to fend for themselves.

Answer: Ireland

Other countries lacking land snakes include New Zealand, Greenland, and Iceland. Scientists believe that during the last Ice Age these countries were so cold that snakes couldn't survive. The climate eventually warmed up and created a boundary of water. New Zealand, however, does have small sea snakes.

Answer: king cobra

King cobras are frightening in appearance because they look like they're standing up when threatened. One bite from this reptile can be fatal. The native habitat of this snake is the dense forests of southeast Asia. Believe it or not, king cobras eat other snakes, particularly rat snakes.

Their diet also includes birds, lizards, and rodents. This cobra measures roughly 9-13 ft. long and weighs in at 13 lbs.

Answer: gaboon viper

The gaboon viper has the highest yield of toxic venom of any venomous snake. Putting this into perspective, the amount of venom can reach 600 mg, a tenth of which can kill a grown man. Their fangs can measure up to two inches long. The natural habitat is the savannahs of western Africa. The coloration of this snake's body provides excellent camouflage.

Answer: green

These reptiles are so big they have the ability to swallow their prey whole. We're talking about prey that includes deer, wild pigs, and jaguars. The green anaconda weighs over 550 lbs. and measures over 29 ft. The females are larger than the males. Anacondas are stealthy predators.

Their eyes and nasals openings are located on top of the head, enabling their bodies to be completely immersed under water while lying in wait for prey.

Answer: Russell's viper

One bite of this snake's venom will cause permanent kidney damage even in the rare instance it doesn't kill its victim. Both a nocturnal and diurnal hunter, this reptile prefers open grassy areas. Although potentially harmful to humans, the Russell viper feeds on rodents, lizards, and squirrels. Besides India, this species can be found in other Asian countries.

Answer: red-banded

Although they resemble eels, sea snakes belong to the family of venomous snakes known as Elapidae. They have lungs instead of gills so they must surface periodically above the water in order to breathe. The venom is highly potent, containing neurotoxins which affect the respiratory system, resulting in paralysis and ultimately death. Sea snakes, also called coral snakes, can be found in the Indian and western Pacific Oceans.

By the way, there is no red-banded sea snake.

Answer: grass snake

This non-venomous snake, sometimes referred to as ringed snake, can be found near or around water. It makes its home in woodlands of Europe, Middle East, and Africa. It preys mostly on toads and frogs. Since it prefers warmer temperatures, it will spend winters burrowed underground.It feigns death by allowing its body to become limp and by secreting blood from its mouth, adding to the overall effect.