5 COMMON Types of Snakes Found in the Philippines! (2023)
Do you want to learn about the types of snakes in the Philippines?
If so, you’ve come to the right place. In the article below, I have listed the snakes you can expect to see. Then, for each species, you will find out how to identify that snake correctly, along with pictures, interesting facts, and RANGE MAPS!
You’ll see that the snakes that live in the Philippines are very different from each other. They range from venomous species to snakes that use constriction to immobilize their prey. In addition, certain snakes are common to find living around people.
5 COMMON snakes that live in the Philippines:
#1. Common Mock Viper
- Psammodynastes pulverulentus
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults reach a maximum length of 65 cm (26 in).
- Their coloring is brown with darker brown and white flecks.
- The head is paddle-shaped and wider at the back.
Common Mock Vipers got their name by mimicking the most venomous snakes in the Philippines.
Its impressive mimicking abilities include changing the shape of its pupils to resemble a viper and mimicking the viper’s attacking technique. However, despite its excellent acting skills, this species is not venomous, and its bite is harmless, though painful, to humans.
Common Mock Vipers live in tropical wet forests. Even though they are primarily terrestrial snakes, they can climb trees and branches. Sometimes, they use this ability to hang over the water and wait for prey to wander by.
#2. King Cobra
- Ophiophagus hannah
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults are 3-3.6 m (10-12 ft) long, but the largest specimens can grow up to 5.4 m (18 ft).
- Their coloring is olive green with black and white bands on the body.
- They have a prominent hood that opens in a defensive stance and a rounded nose.
The King Cobra is the longest venomous snake in the Philippines.
Despite its size, this species is not considered particularly aggressive. It usually avoids humans and slinks off when disturbed. However, it is known to defend incubating eggs aggressively and strikes intruders rapidly. A single attack can deliver multiple bites.
Interestingly, the venom of hatchlings is as potent as the adults’. The babies are brightly marked, but these colors often fade as they mature. In addition, they are often nervous and alert, which makes them highly aggressive if disturbed.
Whether you encounter a juvenile or an adult, it’s best to give this dangerous snake a lot of space. Its bite results in excruciating pain, blurred vision, dizziness, fatigue, and even paralysis. If the bite victim doesn’t receive medical help, they can die from cardiovascular and respiratory failure within 30 minutes of the bite. Stay back!
#3. Oriental Whipsnake
- Ahaetulla prasina
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults grow up to 1.8 m (6 ft) long.
- This species has a slender body with a long, pointed snout.
- Their coloring varies from light brown to dull yellow-green and fluorescent green. Some individuals have a checkered pattern of light and dark green scales.
The Oriental Whipsnake is one of the most colorful snakes in the Philippines!
Its impressive range of colors makes it difficult to recognize because individuals look so different from one another. However, the slender body and incredibly large, spade-shaped head should help with your identification.
This species is arboreal, so it usually lives in forest edge habitats such as parklands, rural agricultural areas, and wooded residential areas. It’s also a diurnal snake, so the best place to find one is sunbathing or hunting during the day. They eat small nesting birds, lizards, and tree frogs.
Oriental Whipsnakes are mildly venomous, but the toxins are not strong enough to hurt humans. If you see one, observe from a respectful distance, but you don’t need to rush away.
#4. Reticulated Python
- Malayopython reticulatus
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults are 1.5-6.5 m (5-21 ft) long. They weigh 1-75 kg (2-165 lbs).
- Their coloring is a mix of brown, beige, black, gray, white, and yellow in a complex geometric pattern.
- The back typically has a series of irregular diamond shapes flanked by smaller markings with a light center.
The Reticulated Python is the largest snake in the Philippines.
Look for this GIGANTIC species in woodlands, rainforests, and grasslands. It can also be found near rivers and lakes, as it is an excellent swimmer.
The Reticulated python is an ambush predator. It waits until the prey gets within striking distance, seizes it, and then constricts until the prey’s heartbeat stops. Its usual diet includes mammals and birds, but this species will snatch pets such as cats and dogs if they come across them.
This mammoth species is one of only a few snakes that prey on humans. A fully-grown Reticulated Python can open its jaws wide enough to swallow a human, and its powerful body can strangle even large adults rather quickly.
Reticulated Pythons are popular zoo attractions, and many zoos claim to have the largest one. However, it’s notoriously difficult to accurately measure this species while it’s alive. Their weight and tremendous strength mean that straightening this species is virtually impossible. Nevertheless, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, a Reticulated Python in Kansas City, Missouri, named “Medusa,” is the largest snake in captivity. It measures an estimated 7.67 m (25 ft) long and weighs 158 kg (348 lb).
#5. Brahminy Blindsnake
- Indotyphlops braminus
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults are 5.1-10.2 cm (2-4 in) long.
- Their coloring varies; charcoal gray, light yellow-beige, silver-gray, purplish, and white are common.
- The body shape is worm-like, and they are easily mistaken for earthworms.
This tiny species is the smallest snake in the Philippines.
The Brahminy Blindsnake, as its name suggests, is almost completely blind. It has small, translucent eyes that can detect light but not form images. Although native to the Philippines, this species is naturalized worldwide. It’s transported in the soil of potted plants, so the species earned the nickname Flowerpot Snake.
They spend almost all their time underground in ant and termite nests and live under logs, moist leaves, and stones. Look for them in suburban and even urban gardens and moist forests.
When distressed or attacked, the Brahminy Blindsnake will try to escape underground. If touched, it might press its tail on the attacker and release a smelly musk. Despite its rather creepy appearance, this snake is completely harmless to humans.
Do you want to learn about other animals in the Philippines?
If so, check out these guides!
Which of these snakes have you seen before in the Philippines?
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