If you’re anything like me, you’ve always wondered what the largest snake that ever existed was. As someone who grew up in the Southern United States, I’ve seen my fair share of snakes.
There were rattlesnakes and copperheads (and even an occasional water moccasin), but nothing compared to the size of these prehistoric beasts.
Let’s take a look at some of the biggest snakes ever:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Titanoboa is the largest snake that ever existed. |
| Titanoboa lived approximately 60 million years ago. |
| Fossils of Titanoboa were discovered in Colombia, South America. |
| It could reach lengths of up to 42 feet. |
| Titanoboa primarily preyed upon large animals like crocodiles. |
| Changes in climate and environment likely led to its extinction. |
Titánboa Cerrejonensis
Titanoboa was a species of snake that existed in what is now Colombia during the Paleocene epoch. This giant snake was the largest snake ever known, at 40 feet (12 m) long and weighing 2,500 pounds (1,100 kg).
Titanoboa lived about 60 million years ago in South America’s tropical rainforests. Today, scientists have found fossils from these giant reptiles in the Cerrejon Formation located near Villa de Leyva in Colombia.
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Gigantophis Garstini
The largest snake that ever existed was Gigantophis garstini, a prehistoric boa constrictor that lived about 10 million to 40 million years ago in Africa. It was discovered in the Egyptian desert in 2009 and measured more than 33 feet long.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gigantophis garstini |
| Common Name | Gigantophis Garstini |
| Length | Up to 33 feet (10 meters) |
| Habitat | Africa, specifically Egypt and Morocco |
| Diet | Carnivorous, likely preyed on large mammals and reptiles |
| Extinct | Yes |
| Time Period | Lived during the Eocene epoch, around 40-38 million years ago |
Titanoboa Cerrejonensis
The largest snake ever to have existed, Titanoboa cerrejonensis, is believed to have been between 45 and 48 feet long.
Fossilized remains of this 50-million-year-old beast were found near Cerrejon in Colombia and are now on display at The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C..
It lived during the Paleocene epoch, when South America was an island continent and the oceans surrounding it were teeming with life. The research team that discovered these fossils believe this prehistoric animal was a very successful predator that preyed on large fish like lungfish and crocodiles — anything that could fit down its throat!
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Boa Constrictor Constrictor
The largest snake that ever existed is the boa constrictor constrictor, the largest species of boa constrictor. This snake can grow up to 9 metres long (30 feet) and weigh about 250 kilograms (550 pounds). It is native to South America, particularly Brazil and Colombia.
Boa constrictors are popular pets in many parts of the world because they are docile and easy to care for.
They are also known as red-tailed boas because their tail has a red coloration on it, which helps them blend into their environment while they hunt for prey
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Boa constrictor constrictor |
| Common Name | Boa Constrictor Constrictor |
| Size | Average length: 8-10 feet (2.4-3 meters) |
| Weight | Average weight: 25-30 pounds (11-14 kilograms) |
| Habitat | Tropical rainforests and woodland areas |
| Diet | Carnivorous, preys on small to medium-sized mammals and birds |
| Range | Native to Central and South America |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (IUCN Red List) |
Morelia Amethistina
The Morelia amethistina is the largest snake in the world. In Australia, it can grow up to 6 meters long! This species has a venomous bite and its diet consists of small mammals.
The next largest species of snake is the Python reticulatus, which is found in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. It averages around 5 meters long but has been known to grow up to 7 meters.
The boa constrictor (Boa constrictor) is also very large, reaching an average length of about 3 meters for males and 4 meters for females; however, some specimens have been reported at lengths as great as 7 meters!
Reticulated Python (Python Reticulatus)
The reticulated python (Python reticulatus) is the longest snake in the world, reaching up to 10 meters (33 feet) in length. In addition, pythons are generally considered to be one of the most dangerous snakes due to their size and ability to swallow large prey whole—including other snakes!
Reticulated pythons are found throughout Southeast Asia and parts of Indonesia. Their name comes from their distinctive patterning or “reticulations” which appear as lines or dots when you look at a python’s skin under light.
After being caught by humans for thousands of years, these snakes have become quite rare in the wild, with some estimates putting them at 30% below their population size before human interference started taking its toll on populations and ecosystems alike:
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King Cobra (Ophiophagus Hannah)
King cobras are the largest snakes in the world, reaching lengths of up to 7 meters. They’re also known as “true” cobras because they have large hoods that can expand to cover their heads when threatened.
King cobras live throughout southeast Asia (mainly China, India and Indonesia) and can weigh up to 9 kilograms (20 pounds). They have a lifespan of about 30 years on average, though some individuals may live longer than 50 years!
King cobras eat birds and rodents, but they also eat other snakes occasionally when they come across them during their hunts.
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Anaconda (Eunectes Murinus)
Anaconda (Eunectes murinus) is a non-venomous snake species that is the largest in the world. It can grow up to 7 m (23 ft) long and weigh more than an average human being.
The anaconda inhabits tropical regions of South America, including Brazil, northern Argentina and Venezuela. It preys on other large animals such as capybaras, tapirs and deer by suffocating them with its coils. However it has also been known to attack humans if provoked or disturbed during its hunting activities.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Eunectes murinus |
| Common Name | Anaconda |
| Size | Length: Up to 29 feet (8.8 meters) |
| Weight | Weight: Up to 550 pounds (250 kilograms) |
| Habitat | Aquatic environments, such as swamps, marshes, and rivers |
| Diet | Carnivorous, primarily preys on fish, birds, and mammals |
| Range | Found in tropical South America |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (IUCN Red List) |
Rock python (Python sebae)
The rock python (Python sebae) is a large snake, and can grow to be over 6.5 meters (21 feet) long.
The rock python can be found in sub-Saharan Africa in countries such as Angola, Mozambique, Malawi and South Africa. They are nonvenomous snakes that feed on other reptiles, mammals or birds.
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Conclusion
There is no real way to know for sure, but the largest snake ever would probably be any member of Titanoboa, a genus of extinct snakes that lived during the Paleocene epoch.
These enormous creatures grew up to 50 feet (15 meters) long and were thought to weigh as much as 2,500 pounds (1,150 kilograms). In addition to being extremely large, they also had sharp teeth that could grow up to three inches long!
Further Reading
Titanoboa – Britannica: Explore the fascinating world of Titanoboa, the largest snake to have ever existed. Learn about its size, habitat, and more.
The Largest Snake That Ever Existed: Titanoboa: Dive into the details of Titanoboa, an ancient giant snake that roamed the Earth millions of years ago. Discover its incredible size and significance in prehistoric times.
What Is the Biggest Snake in the World? – Natural History Museum: Delve into the world of enormous snakes and learn about the largest snake species that exist today. Discover their habitats, adaptations, and more.
FAQs
What is Titanoboa?
Titanoboa is an extinct species of snake that lived approximately 60 million years ago. It is known as the largest snake that ever existed, with estimates suggesting it could reach lengths of up to 42 feet.
Where was Titanoboa discovered?
Fossils of Titanoboa were discovered in the Cerrejón coal mine in Colombia, South America. This remarkable find provided valuable insights into the ancient ecosystem and the immense size of prehistoric snakes.
How big was Titanoboa compared to modern snakes?
Titanoboa was significantly larger than any living snake species today. It was estimated to be about 3 times longer and weighed approximately 1.25 tons, making it a true giant among serpents.
What did Titanoboa eat?
Based on its size, it is believed that Titanoboa primarily preyed upon large animals, including crocodiles and other reptiles. Its enormous size and constricting abilities would have allowed it to overpower and consume such prey.
Why did Titanoboa go extinct?
The exact reason for Titanoboa’s extinction is uncertain. However, it is believed that significant changes in the Earth’s climate and environment, as well as shifts in prey availability, played a role in its demise.
I am Dr Hellen James a veterinarian, pet lover, and writer. I have many years of experience caring for pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and fish (and even axolotls!). I love spending time with the animals in my life, especially when they are sick or need love.