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[[Snake|Snakes]] are the most recently evolved group of reptiles and have numerous specialisations that distinguish them from other squamates (scaled reptiles).  Their [[Snake Musculoskeletal System|musculoskeletal system]] is adapted for creeping, burrowing, swimming and gliding.  [[Snake Special Senses|Chemo and thermoreceptors]] are a key feature in their methods of predation, in addition to extreme cranial kinesis and, in some species, [[Snake Handling and Restraint|deadly venoms]].

[[Snake|Snakes]] are the most recently evolved group of reptiles and have numerous specialisations that distinguish them from other squamates (scaled reptiles).  Their [[Snake Musculoskeletal System|musculoskeletal system]] is adapted for creeping, burrowing, swimming and gliding.  [[Snake Special Senses|Chemo and thermoreceptors]] are a key feature in their methods of predation, in addition to extreme cranial kinesis and, in some species, [[Snake Handling and Restraint|deadly venoms]].

==Evolution and Taxonomy==

==Evolution and Taxonomy==

Snakes are members of the class Reptilia and order Squamata (scaled reptiles).  Squamata is made up of the suborders Serpentes (snakes) and Sauria (lizards).  Snakes are the most recently evolved group of reptiles.  Their fossil record is limited due to their fragile skeletons, however recent discoveries of early fossil snakes with posterior legs has generated debate about the origins of their evolution.

Snakes are members of the class Reptilia and order Squamata (scaled reptiles).  Squamata is made up of the suborders Serpentes ([[Snake|snakes]]) and Sauria ([[Lizard|lizards]]).  Snakes are the most recently evolved group of reptiles.  Their fossil record is limited due to their fragile [[Snake Musculoskeletal System|skeletons]], however recent discoveries of early fossil snakes with posterior legs has generated debate about the origins of their evolution.

[[Image:Royalpython.jpg|thumb|right|300px|'''Royal python, ''Python regius''''' Photo credit: Claire Porteous]]

[[Image:Royalpython.jpg|thumb|right|300px|'''Royal python, ''Python regius''''' Photo credit: Claire Porteous]]

==Common Species==

==Common Species==

Snakes commonly presented in practice are non-venomous and come from two diverse families - Colubridae and Boidae.

Snakes commonly presented in practice are non-venomous and come from two diverse families - [[Colubridae]] and [[Boidae]].

Colubrids are the largest family of snakes.  Common examples include milksnakes, kingsnakes, rat snakes, [[Corn Snake|corn snakes]] and [[Garter Snake|garter snakes]].  All are rodent eaters in captivity and oviparous except for garter snakes that eat fish and invertebrates and are viviparous.

[[Colubridae|Colubrids]] are the largest family of snakes.  Common examples include milksnakes, kingsnakes, rat snakes, [[Corn Snake|corn snakes]] and [[Garter Snake|garter snakes]].  All are rodent eaters in captivity and oviparous except for [[Garter Snake|garter snakes]] that eat fish and invertebrates and are viviparous.

*Find out more about captive snake [[Snake Feeding|feeding]], [[Snake Diet|specialised diets]] and [[Lizard Diet|food composition]].

*Find out more about captive snake [[Snake Feeding|feeding]], [[Snake Diet|specialised diets]] and [[Lizard Diet|food composition]].

Boids include boas and pythons.  Boas are viviparous and have single, undivided subcaudal scales.  Pythons are oviparous and generally have divided subcaudal scales.  Common pets include boa constrictors, royal pythons (known as ball pythons in North America) and Burmese pythons.

[[Boidae|Boids]] include boas and pythons.  Boas are viviparous and have single, undivided subcaudal scales.  Pythons are oviparous and generally have divided subcaudal scales.  Common pets include [[Boa constrictor|boa constrictors]], [[Royal Python|royal pythons]] (known as ball pythons in North America) and [[Burmese Python|Burmese pythons]].

==Identification of Common Species==

==Identification of Common Species==

Identification can be difficult, given the range of species.  However, these are the most common snakes you are likely to see in practice.

Identification can be difficult, given the range of species.  However, these are the most common snakes you are likely to see in practice.