A controversial view, I know, but I was wandering around the taxonomy lab and saw this snake identification poster:
They’re all just squiggles with patterned markings! Spiders are so much more interesting.
You can fire back, herpetologists.
Pharyngula
Evolution, development, and random biological ejaculations from a godless liberal
Some are venomous. Knowing the venomous snakes in you area is interesting and practical.
I envy the USA for the number of snakes you have. We only have three species in CZ, and only one of those lives around here (Vipera berus). I personally think that spiders are not that interesting to look at – even a young person with good eyes often needs a microscope to appreciate them in any detail, whereas snakes are pretty, like luxurious ribbons from scaly leather.
@1 cheerfulcharlie
Sure. But that poster does not have clear visual segregation of snakes by venom or by geography.
Also, I expected sidewinders to stand out by having more prominent squiggles.
noncheerful charly – you don’t even get grass snakes there?
Ringneck snakes are not boring. Among the most beautifully colored snakes in the world. Hognose snakes have antics. It’s fun to watch a ribbon snake eat fish out of a water bowl or caught frogs.
Eight legs and multiple eyes, big whoop. 🕷️
@1 cheerfulcharlie
I thought that technically all snakes are venomous just only some are so venomous that humans should be worried