From dazzling patterns to vibrant hues, some snakes boast colours that amaze scientists and nature lovers alike. Discover the most colourful serpents that hide in jungles, deserts, and oceans worldwide.
Sunbeam Snake: This snake has smooth, dark scales that shimmer with iridescent rainbow hues under sunlight, like oil on water. Native to Southeast Asia, it's nonvenomous, secretive, and spends most of its time burrowing underground. (Image: Canva)
San Francisco Garter Snake: This snake is known as “the most beautiful snake in North America". Its body is decorated with turquoise blue-green sides, bold red-orange stripes, and black accents, which makes it look almost painted. This critically endangered species lives near ponds and wetlands around San Francisco. (Image: Canva)
Blue Pit Viper: The Blue Pit Viper stuns with its vibrant turquoise-blue scales and piercing eyes. Found in Southeast Asia, this venomous arboreal snake blends beauty with danger, often coiling elegantly on branches. (Image: Canva)
Mandarian Ratsnake: Mandarin Ratsnake is a rare jewel of Asia, marked by brilliant orange bands and bold black stripes. Nonvenomous and shy, it thrives in mountain forests, resembling a living piece of art. (Image: Canva)
Asian Vine Snake: The Asian Vine Snake is a slender, bright green serpent with a pointed snout and leaflike body. Expertly camouflaged in trees, its vivid color and piercing eyes make it both elegant and intimidating. (Image: Canva)
Gold-Ringed Cat Snake: This striking arboreal snake has glossy black scales marked by brilliant yellow bands. Native to Southeast Asia’s rainforests, Gold Ringed Cat Snakes are mildly venomous, agile and are skilled nocturnal hunter. (Image: Canva)
Speckled Racer: The Speckled Racer is a swift nonvenomous snake of Central America. This has black body sprinkled with turquoise, green, and blue spots, creating a glittering, jewel-like shimmer as it darts through forests. (Image: Canva)
Painted Bronzeback: This snake is a slender, tree-dwelling snake found across Southeast Asia. It has a metallic bronze stripe going from the head down the body. The rest of the upper body is black, while the belly is off-white. (Image: Canva)
Boelen’s Python: Found in New Guinea’s cool highlands, Boelen's Python is prized for its rarity and beauty. Its jet-black body glimmers with shifting hues of blue, purple, and gold under sunlight. (Image: Canva)
Paradise Tree Snake: Also known as Paradise flying snake, it dazzles with green, yellow, red, and black scales. This snake can leap and glide between trees, turning Southeast Asian forests into its colorful aerial stage. (Image: Canva)
