We've broken down the species into sections.

Snakes belong to the genus Suborder Serpentes, which is one half of the most successful reptile order(group), lizards make up the other half Sauria. Together these two suborders make up the order(group) Squamata. There are sections on Colubrids, Boids, and Typlopidaes. At the end of this page there is a section on the venomous species including Crotalids, Elapids, and Vipers. With reasons why they are being kept and studied in captivity.

****COLUBRIDS**** 1230 known species! There are 10 sub-families to the colubridae species. This is the most wide spread and commonly found snake through out the world. Included in this family are garter snakes, whip, grass, and bull snakes. Some of the sub-families are broken down farther---Boigainae-are rear fanged venomous and includ the Boomslang, and Mangrove snake these are not seen in the pet trade.---Colubrindae- the most attractive and most popular species. These species are highly traded between breeders, pet stores, and collectors. Included in this sub-family are the Commom Kingsnake(Lampropeltis getulus), California kingsnake(l.g.californiae)both come from Central and Southern USA to Mexico and grow to be up to 86"(7'2"). This snakes diet consists of small rodents, birds, frogs, and other snakes. Easy to maintain, but to avoid cannibalization house them separate from other snakes. Ideal conditions desert like with plenty of hiding spaces temperature range from 64deg.farenheit(night temp.) to 92deg.farenheit(daytime temp).---Natricinae-Water snakes, and some of the best known and popular snakes for beginners. Included are the garter, and ribbon snakes. The Grass Snake(natrix natrix)-from Europe length of up to 78 inches females are usually larger then the males. Their diet is of earthworms fish and small rodents. They need a semi-aquatic set up with a dry area. Temperature range is 66deg.farenheit(night) to 80deg.farenheit(daytime).

****BOIDS**** 110 known species There are only four sub-families of this group and they contain the largest, and heaviest of the species.---Boinae-In recent years have become one of the most popular snakes in the pet trade. This sub-family has the Boa Constrictor(boa constrictor) from central and south America are some times tempermental in their feeding habits, but a captive bred snake usually makes a long lived pet. Temperature range is from 64farenheit(night) to 82 farenheit(summer daytime) can survive quite well at 73 deg. farenheit(winter daytime). These snakes like to get up in branches so when designing their enclosure remember to add some strong limbs. Their diet consists of birds, rabbits, and rodents.---Pythoninae-are the oviparous (egg laying) snakes. Most pythons are very sizeable animals best left to experienced handlers, or hobbyist. There are a limited number of attractive species suitable for amatuer hobbyists.--Ball(Royal)python(python reguis) from western Africa rarely exceeds 5 feet in length temp ranges from 60-80 deg. farenheit. This docile little snake gets it name ball from how it is usually found in a ball protecting it's head. Wonderful pets as long as cared for properly.

Some of massive snake species such as the Reticulated python(Python reticulus),and the African Rock python(Python sebae), should only be kept by REALLY EXPERIENCED Hobbyists or zoological societies for the types of housing these snakes require. Their temperment is not that becomming either. A highly aggressive snake when confronted, as babies usually are the ones who bite continuosly. They also have special housing concerns, originating in Africa they like a warmer arid climate, they are usually found in the wild in abandoned burrows or caves, and usually in the afternoon after they've warmed up and the temperatures are getting very hot. This species can reach upto 20 feet and weigh in around 300lbs.
The Indian python(python molurus)also has it's own sub-species which is the Burmese python(p.m.bivittatus) these two species as long as kept in adequate enclosures by experienced hobbyists do well as pets. Their diet consists of birds, large rodents, rabbits, pigs, and goats(depending on their size). These species can reach lenghts of 18 to 26 feet, weighing in around 250 to 400lbs. Anaconda's(eunectes murinus)require semi-aquatic enviroments due to their size and mass. Length from 14 to 24 feet and max out the scale at 500+lbs. They come in two colors green and yellow. They DO NOT MAKE GOOD PETS******VERY AGGRESSIVE********

First off the snakes that are listed next are not for amatuer handlers! These are VENOMOUS and if handled even the slight bit wrong can have deadly repercutions. The hepotologists that collect and handle these snakes have perfected their skill and knowledge of the species behavior. Many venomous snakes are kept for the production of anti-venom. There is also lots of research going on to find out what other kinds of benefits medically their vemon may hold for mankind. Now for the Venomous breakdown!!! Crotalids---130 species including Rattlesnakes! Elapids---250 species including Cobras, Coral snakes! Vipers---200 species including Adders!