Some people want a snake that blends into the background. Others want a living, slithering rainbow.
If you fall into the second category, you’re in for a treat. Some pet snakes look like they were hand-painted by nature itself, boasting scales in electric blues, fiery reds, and shimmering metallic hues. These reptiles aren’t just mesmerizing to watch—they turn every enclosure into a work of art.
But beauty isn’t the only thing that makes these snakes special. Some are small and easy to handle, while others are for experienced keepers who don’t mind a challenge. Whether you prefer a striking contrast of black and yellow or a soft pastel dream, there’s a colorful snake out there for you.
Ready to meet some of the most dazzling pet snakes on the planet? Here are 21 species that are impossible to ignore.
Corn Snake
Corn snakes are a favorite among snake enthusiasts due to their vivid coloration and gentle nature. These snakes boast a stunning palette of oranges, reds, and yellows that mimic the hues of corn, which inspired their name.
Their docile temperament makes them ideal pets for beginners, and they adapt well to captivity. Corn snakes are active and curious, often seen exploring their enclosures.
They require a warm environment with plenty of hiding spots to thrive, and their diet primarily consists of appropriately-sized rodents. Their manageable size makes them easy to handle and care for.
Ball Python
Ball pythons are known for their striking patterns and gentle disposition. Their scales often feature a mix of browns, golds, and blacks, forming stunning patterns that are hard to miss.
These snakes are relatively small and have a calm nature, making them excellent pets for beginners. They are known to form bonds with their caretakers over time.
Ball pythons require a habitat that mimics their natural environment, with warm temperatures and humidity. They feed on small mammals and can be quite entertaining to watch as they explore and interact.
Rainbow Boa
Rainbow boas captivate with their iridescent scales that shimmer in a spectrum of colors when exposed to light. These snakes, native to South America, are medium-sized and known for their curious nature.
Their care requires a humid environment and regular handling to maintain their temperament. Although they can be a bit challenging for beginners, their breathtaking appearance is worth the effort.
Rainbow boas primarily feed on small mammals and birds. Their unique coloration and active behavior make them a fascinating addition to any snake enthusiast’s collection.
King Snake
King snakes are renowned for their striking black and white banded patterns, reminiscent of royalty. These snakes are not only beautiful but also highly adaptable and resilient.
They thrive in various environments, from deserts to forests, and are known for their ability to eat other snakes, including venomous ones. Their diet also includes rodents and birds.
King snakes are easy to care for, making them popular among both novice and experienced snake keepers. Their manageable size and captivating appearance make them a standout choice for pet owners.
Milk Snake
Milk snakes are eye-catching with their bright red, black, and yellow bands that mimic the coloration of the venomous coral snake. This mimicry acts as a defense mechanism in the wild.
They are non-venomous and known for their gentle nature, making them suitable for beginners. These snakes are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of settings.
Milk snakes are nocturnal, often active during the night, and enjoy burrowing. Their diet consists mainly of small rodents, and they require a secure enclosure to prevent escapes. Their striking colors truly stand out.
Green Tree Python
Green tree pythons are visually stunning with their vibrant emerald green scales, often dotted with spots of yellow or blue. These arboreal snakes are native to the rainforests of New Guinea and Australia.
They are known for their striking appearance and unique resting posture, often coiled around branches. Green tree pythons require specific humidity and temperature levels to thrive.
Their diet primarily consists of small mammals and birds. While they can be a bit temperamental, with proper care and handling, they make a mesmerizing pet for experienced snake keepers.
Boelen’s Python
Boelen’s pythons are striking with their glossy black scales and an alluring bluish sheen. Native to the highlands of Papua New Guinea, these snakes are rare and highly sought after by enthusiasts.
Their unique coloration and gentle temperament make them a prized addition to any collection. They require a spacious enclosure with climbing opportunities and specific temperature gradients.
Boelen’s pythons primarily feed on birds and small mammals. While they can be challenging to care for due to their specific needs, their captivating appearance and calm demeanor make them a dream pet for experienced keepers.
Honduran Milk Snake
Honduran milk snakes are among the most colorful of the milk snake species, boasting bands of red, black, and orange. These non-venomous snakes are known for their vibrant appearance and gentle nature.
They are well-suited for beginners and are relatively easy to care for, thriving in a variety of environments. Honduran milk snakes are nocturnal and enjoy burrowing, often active during the cooler hours.
Their diet consists mainly of rodents, and they require a secure enclosure to prevent escapes. Their striking colors and friendly disposition make them a popular choice among snake enthusiasts.
Garter Snake
Garter snakes are widely recognized for their distinctive striped pattern and adaptability. Their vibrant colors range from greens and yellows to blues and reds, making them a sight to behold.
These snakes are non-venomous and have a gentle disposition, making them suitable for novice snake keepers. They thrive in a variety of habitats, from gardens to wetlands.
Garter snakes primarily feed on small amphibians, fish, and earthworms. They are active during the day and enjoy basking in the sun. Their lively nature and striking appearance make them an engaging pet.
Reticulated Python
Reticulated pythons are known for their intricate patterns and impressive size. Their scales often display an array of golds, blacks, and browns, forming a mesmerizing mosaic.
These snakes are among the longest in the world, requiring ample space and experienced care. They are powerful and can be a challenge for novice keepers.
Reticulated pythons feed on large mammals and require a secure and spacious habitat. Their beauty and majesty make them a favorite among experienced snake enthusiasts, and their unique markings are truly captivating.
Rosy Boa
Rosy boas are charming with their soft pastel hues of pink and gray. These small, gentle snakes are native to the arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico.
They are known for their docile temperament and ease of care, making them ideal pets for beginners. Rosy boas enjoy burrowing and require a warm, dry environment to thrive.
Their diet consists of small rodents, and they are known for their slow, deliberate movements. Their unique coloration and gentle nature make rosy boas a delightful addition to any collection.
Emerald Tree Boa
Emerald tree boas are renowned for their stunning green coloration and white vertebral stripes. Native to the rainforests of South America, these snakes are truly captivating.
They are arboreal, often seen coiled elegantly on branches, requiring specific humidity and temperature conditions. While they can be challenging to care for, their beauty is unparalleled.
Emerald tree boas primarily feed on birds and small mammals. Their striking appearance and unique behavior make them a sought-after species for experienced snake enthusiasts, who appreciate their elegance and vibrant hues.
Carpet Python
Carpet pythons are admired for their diverse patterns and colors, ranging from browns and yellows to blacks. These snakes are native to Australia and are known for their adaptability.
They thrive in various environments, making them popular among snake keepers. Carpet pythons are generally calm and can grow quite large, requiring adequate space.
Their diet consists of birds and mammals. With proper care, they can become accustomed to handling. Their striking patterns and manageable temperament make them a favorite among enthusiasts looking for larger snakes.
Blood Python
Blood pythons are named for their rich red coloration and robust build. These snakes are native to the forests and swamps of Southeast Asia, where they thrive in humid conditions.
Known for their striking appearance, blood pythons require a careful and experienced handler due to their strong and sometimes defensive nature.
They feed primarily on rodents and require a habitat with controlled temperature and humidity. Their unique coloration and powerful presence make them a captivating pet for those ready to meet their care needs.
Sunbeam Snake
Sunbeam snakes are mesmerizing with their iridescent scales that reflect a spectrum of colors under light. These non-venomous snakes are native to Southeast Asia and are a true spectacle to behold.
Their care requires maintaining a humid environment to preserve their unique coloration. Sunbeam snakes are secretive and often burrow, needing a substrate that supports this behavior.
They primarily feed on small rodents and require gentle handling. Their dazzling appearance and low maintenance needs make them an attractive choice for snake enthusiasts who appreciate their beauty and simplicity.
California Kingsnake
California kingsnakes are popular for their striking black and white banding. These non-venomous snakes are native to North America and are known for their adaptability.
They thrive in a variety of environments and are easy to care for, making them perfect for beginners. California kingsnakes enjoy basking and require a secure enclosure.
Their diet mainly consists of rodents and they are known for their strong feeding response. Their manageable size and vivid patterns make them a favorite among both novice and experienced snake keepers.
Woma Python
Woma pythons are unique with their smooth scales and beautiful bands of brown and pinkish hues. These snakes are native to the Australian outback and are well-regarded for their gentle demeanor.
They are easy to care for and adapt well to captivity, making them a great choice for beginners. Woma pythons require a dry environment and are known for their burrowing habits.
Their diet consists of small mammals, and they are non-venomous, making them easy to handle. Their striking appearance and calm nature make them a delightful pet for any snake lover.
Taiwan Beauty Snake
Taiwan beauty snakes are admired for their elaborate patterns and striking colors, typically featuring hues of yellow and black. These snakes are native to Taiwan and Southeast Asia.
They are arboreal, requiring a habitat with climbing opportunities and a warm environment. Taiwan beauty snakes are generally calm, making them suitable for intermediate keepers.
Their diet consists of small rodents, and they can grow quite large, needing ample space. Their stunning patterns and active nature make them a captivating choice for those looking for a dynamic and beautiful pet snake.
Bamboo Rat Snake
Bamboo rat snakes are known for their slender bodies and vibrant orange coloration, often accented with thin black stripes. These snakes are native to the mountainous regions of Asia.
They require a cool, humid environment and are relatively easy to care for, making them suitable for snake enthusiasts of all levels. Bamboo rat snakes are primarily nocturnal.
Their diet mainly consists of small rodents, and they are known to be docile and easy to handle. Their striking appearance and gentle nature make them an appealing choice for those seeking a colorful pet.
Blue Racer Snake
Blue racer snakes are remarkable for their sleek, vibrant blue scales. Native to North America, these snakes are known for their speed and agility.
While they can be more challenging to handle due to their active nature, they are non-venomous and quite fascinating to observe. Blue racers require a spacious enclosure with room to explore.
Their diet consists of small mammals and birds, and they enjoy basking in the sun. Their dazzling color and lively behavior make them an exciting and beautiful addition to any snake collection.
Mandarin Rat Snake
The Mandarin Rat Snake is a visual delight with its striking orange and black banded appearance. These bands, akin to a harlequin costume, make it a standout among pet enthusiasts. It’s a medium-sized snake, reaching up to six feet in length.
In the wild, they inhabit the subtropical forests of Asia, where their vivid colors aid in camouflage among the fallen leaves. Despite their exotic appearance, Mandarin Rat Snakes are relatively easy to care for, making them suitable for novice snake keepers.
Their calm demeanor and unique coloration can turn any reptile collection into a vibrant showcase.