There are many different species of snakes that exist in the world, and each one has its own unique diet. Some snakes defy the stereotypical idea of what an animal-eating snake is like by subsisting mainly on the smallest animals among us- insects. These snakes tend to be smaller in size and are so-called “insectivorous”.
They don’t need to eat as much to get their fill. Insects are also easier to catch and digest than larger prey items. If you’re interested in learning more about these fascinating creatures, read on to learn about 11 types of snakes that eat insects.
11 Snakes That Eat Insects
1. Young Corn Snakes
Corn snakes are a type of snake that is native to North America. They are usually between 2 and 3 feet in length, and they have black, brown, or orange bodies with large black spots.
Corn snakes are carnivores, and their diet consists mainly of rodents. However, young corn snakes will also eat insects. This is because they are still growing.
Once they reach adulthood, they need a little more to live on. Corn snakes get their name due to the patterning on their skin.
2. Garter Snakes
Garter snakes are a type of snake that is known to eat insects. These snakes are typically found in North America, and they can range in size from around two feet to six feet long.
Garter snakes usually have stripes running down their bodies, which can be used to help identify them. Garter snakes typically eat small insects, such as crickets or worms, especially in their younger years. However, they have been known to eat larger prey items on occasion, such as rodents or frogs.
3. Worm Snakes
Some species of snakes are known to eat insects. These include the worm snake, which is a type of blind snake.
The worm snake is native to North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and marshes. The worm snake typically preys on small invertebrates, such as earthworms, slugs, and snails.
The worm snake is a small snake, averaging between 10 and 15 inches in length. It is brown or reddish-brown in color, with smooth, glossy scales. The worm snake is non-venomous and harmless to humans.
Worm snakes are small, blind snakes that live underground. They get their name from their worm-like appearance and tendency to eat worms, as well as other insects they find in the soil.
4. Young Rat Snakes
Most young rat snakes will eat insects. This is because they are trying to build up their strength and size. Once they get a little older, they will start to eat small rodents and birds.
Adult rat snakes can grow to be quite large, so they will also eat larger prey items such as rabbits and squirrels. Young rat snakes are a vital part of natural insect control.
5. Milk Snakes
Milk snakes are a species of king snake. Milk snakes are found in North and Central America.
In the wild, they eat small mammals, reptiles, and birds. They will also eat insects, especially when they are young.
6. Ribbon Snakes
Ribbon snakes are a type of snake that feeds primarily on insects. These snakes are thin and have long, slender bodies that allow them to move quickly and easily through the grass and underbrush where they hunt their prey.
Ribbon snakes are active during the day and night, and they hunt by moving through the vegetation and looking for insects to eat. These snakes will also eat small mammals, lizards, frogs, and other small animals. Ribbon snakes are non-venomous and pose no threat to humans.
Ribbon snakes are an important part of the ecosystem because they help to control the population of insects. This is beneficial to humans because it helps to reduce the amount of crops that are lost to insect pests.
7. Baby Rosy Boa
The baby rosy boa is a small snake that eats insects. It is native to the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
The baby rosy boa grows to be about two feet long and is pink or rose-colored with brown spots. It is a nocturnal snake, meaning it is most active at night.
During the day, it will hide in burrows or under rocks to stay cool and avoid predators. The baby rosy boa eats a variety of insects, including crickets, moths, and beetles. It uses its sharp teeth to puncture the exoskeletons of its prey and then swallows them whole.
8. Rough Green Snakes
Rough green snakes are a type of snake that is known for eating insects. These snakes are native to North America.
These snakes get their name from their rough, scaly skin. Rough green snakes are bright green in color, with a yellow or white belly. They typically grow to be between 2 and 4 feet long.
Rough green snakes are found in wooded areas, near streams or ponds. These snakes are excellent swimmers, and they often climb trees in search of food. Rough green snakes eat mostly insects, such as crickets, beetles, and grasshoppers.
9. Smooth Green Snake
The smooth green snake is a common reptile found in many parts of North America. They are known to eat insects such as crickets and grasshoppers.
Smooth green snakes are not venomous and pose no threat to humans. These reptiles are helpful to have around because they help keep the insect population under control.
10. Small Water Snakes
Small water snakes eat a variety of small prey items including insects, tadpoles, and fish. They are opportunistic feeders and will consume whatever is available. Small water snakes are non-venomous and pose no threat to humans. These snakes are typically found near bodies of water such as ponds, lakes, and streams.
11. Ring Snakes
There are many different types of ring snakes, but all of them share a few common characteristics. First, they all eat insects. This means that they are opportunistic feeders, and will consume just about any type of insect they come across.
Second, ring snakes are all relatively small in size. The largest species only grows to be about a foot long, while the smallest can be as small as six inches. Finally, all ring snakes have a distinctive banded pattern on their bodies, which is where they get their name.
