Updated to reflect the most recent species classifications, a second edition of the beautifully illustrated and beloved guide to 600 members of the suborder Serpentes. For millennia, humans have regarded snakes with an exceptional combination of fascination and revulsion. Some people recoil in fear at the very suggestion of these creatures, while others happily keep them as pets. Snakes can convey both beauty and menace in a single tongue flick, and so these creatures have held a special place in our cultures. Yet, for as many meanings as we attribute to snakes—from fertility and birth to sin and death—the real-life species represent an even wider array of wonders. Now in a new edition, reflecting the most recent species classifications, The Book of Snakes presents 600 species of snakes from around the world, covering roughly one in seven of all snake species. It will bring greater understanding of a group of reptiles that have existed for more than 160 million years and that now inhabit every continent except Antarctica, as well as two of the great oceans. This volume pairs spectacular photos with easy-to-digest text. It is the first book on these creatures that combines a broad, worldwide sample with full-color, life-size accounts. Entries include close-ups of the snake’s head and a section of the snake at actual size. The detailed images allow readers to examine the intricate scale patterns and rainbow of colors as well as special features like a cobra’s hood or a rattlesnake’s rattle. The text is written for laypeople and includes a glossary of frequently used terms. Herpetologists and herpetoculturists alike will delight in this collection, and even those with a more cautious stance on snakes will find themselves drawn in by the wild diversity of the suborder Serpentes.

Providing thorough descriptions of almost 200 species, this guide presents thousands of facts and figures that will help you identify, understand, and appreciate these important and remarkable animals. Each species and subspecies account includes the latest findings on abundance, size, reproductive habits, prey, habitat, behavior and venomous/nonvenomous status.

Winner, 2020 National Outdoor Book Award, Nature and the Environment Snakes inspire extreme reactions. Love or hate these limbless reptiles, almost everyone is fascinated by them. Although snakes are widespread and frequently encountered, they may be more misunderstood than any other group of animals. From giant rattlesnakes to mating dances, there are dozens of myths and misconceptions about snakes. In Secrets of Snakes: The Science beyond the Myths, wildlife biologist David Steen tackles the most frequently asked questions and clears up prevailing myths. In a conversational style with a bit of humor, Steen presents the relevant biology and natural history of snakes, making the latest scientific research accessible to a general audience. When addressing myths about snakes, he explains how researchers use the scientific method to explain which parts of the myth are biologically plausible and which are not. Steen also takes a close look at conventional wisdom and common advice about snakes. For example, people are told they can distinguish coralsnakes from non-venomous mimics by remembering the rhyme, “red on black, friend of Jack, red on yellow, kill a fellow,” but this tip is only relevant to coralsnakes and two mimics living in the southeastern United States, and it does not always work with other species or in other countries. Enhanced by more than 100 stunning color photographs and three original drawings, Secrets of Snakes: The Science beyond the Myths encourages readers to learn about the snakes around them and introduces them to how scientists use the scientific method and critical thinking to learn about the natural world. Number Sixty-one: W. L. Moody Jr. Natural History Series

Find out about snakes from all over the world in this best-selling visual guide, with information about snake evolution, habitats, reproductive behavior, feeding, defense, and much more. Snake is the essential guide to the world of serpents, featuring more than 3,000 species. With a clean fresh look, classifications, stunning photography, and amazing artworks, this is a must-have reference for all herpetologists. Packed with fascinating facts such as physical and behavioral characteristics, this guide also includes focused profiles of 60 snakes, from the Rainbow Boa to the Tropical Rattlesnake. Each profile includes a stunning full-page photograph of the snake, supporting images to highlight important features, and a ‘Fact File' sidebar to give at-a-glance information. Plus, a complete directory lists all known species of these fascinating reptiles, including venomous snakes such as cobras. Snake is a beautiful and comprehensive guide to some of nature's most compelling animals.

This long-awaited third edition of A Complete Guide to the Snakes of Southern Africa has been updated, revised and expanded. New information based on scientific research relating to behaviour, identification, reproduction and snake venoms has been included in the species accounts. Features of this book: Covers all essential aspects of snake biology and behaviour; species descriptions are accompanied by full-colour photographs and distribution maps; simple icons make essential information available at a glance; a separate ‘key features’ box assists in quickly identifying species in the field; chapters on classification and identification, keeping snakes, and the treatment of snakebite supplement the species accounts. Sales points: A guide to all snakes, dangerous and harmless, in southern Africa; practical first-aid advice for snakebite; packed with full-colour images; icons, maps and concise text make identification simple.

The Corn Snake Manual is one reptile care book from the highly acclaimed Advanced Vivarium Systems series. The AVS series, founded and guided by herpetocultural pioneer Philippe de Vosjoli, is the #1 series on reptile care. From choosing a pet to selecting a veterinarian to feeding, housing, breeding, and more, these books deliver the most helpful and up-to-date information available on popular reptiles and amphibians kept as pets.

This easy-to-use guide is the most comprehensive resource for snake admirers in the United States. Full-color photographs for almost every snake in the country make for easy reference, and dividing the snakes based on their regional habitats makes finding the right snake a breeze. Whether you are trying to identify a western coral snake or its mimic, the sonoran shovel nosed snake, Scott Shupe’s guide is the extensive handbook for which all snake aficionados have been waiting. With full-color maps and a thorough glossary of terms, you’ll be able to identify Arizona black rattlesnakes, eastern cottonmouths, and more in no time! Unlike other snake books, Shupe’s guide covers the snake population of the entire United States. His expertise and knowledge of snakes is apparent in the thoughtful descriptions and handy hints on how to tell poisonous snakes from their harmless imitators. He also includes an informative natural history of the reptiles and the scientific terms by which they are referred. As a gift for a young naturalist, a reference book for your library, or a handy tool in a sticky situation, this guide is practical, useful, and fun!

Full colour throughout, this guide shows the fascinating variety of snakes and reptiles and their behaviour. Each chapter consists of a main theme containing text, photographs and diagrams. There is detailed coverage of snake classification, evolution, natural diversity, size, shape and physiology.

Beautiful illustrations and engaging text explain the world of snakes and how they serve as an essential component of the web of life. 300 color illustrations throughout.

This book explains all types of corn snake morphs, phases, mutations, changes, and more about how different-looking kinds of these snakes surface and how they occur. It even explains breeding techniques and possibilities for breeding such different phases, morphs, and mutations.