Over the past year, wildlife videos and photos have been everywhere on social media. Among all the animals people talk about, snakes have become a surprising favourite, especially those with unusually big eyes. These posts often go viral because the snakes look so unique and expressive, almost as if their eyes are trying to tell a story.What makes them interesting is that their large eyes aren’t just for looks. In most cases, the size of a snake’s eyes says a lot about its lifestyle. Snakes that live in trees often need sharper vision. Some species rely heavily on sight for hunting, while others use their big eyes to stay alert in dark or dense environments. Their eyes can reveal how they move, how they survive, and even what time of day they are most active.From tiny tree-dwelling species to harmless garden snakes with bright, round eyes, each one has a reason behind its unusual appearance.Here’s a look at some snake species that are known for their big, standout eyes and what makes them so fascinating.Large-Eyed Pit Viper
This pit viper is native to Southeast Asia, especially Thailand. Its big eyes are very noticeable in adult snakes. It has a strong bite, and its venom can cause serious pain and tissue damage, so medical help is important if bitten. It usually hides in forests and waits for small animals to pass by. Its eyes make it very alert at night or in dim light. You can often spot it by its slow, careful movements among leaves.Yellow-Faced Whip SnakeFound across Australia, this snake is fast and alert. Its eye is easy to spot because it has a pale ring around it and a dark mark underneath. It is active during the day and usually runs away quickly if disturbed. In winter, it becomes inactive to save energy. It is small but quick, making it hard for predators to catch. Its big eyes help it watch for danger while hunting small animals.Big-Eyed RatsnakeThis snake is common in Taiwan. It has round pupils and colourful irises that make its eyes look big. It lives in open fields, forests, and farmland, and moves quickly. It eats small animals like frogs, lizards, and rodents. People often see it during the day, slithering through grass or climbing low trees. Its big eyes help it spot prey from a distance before it strikes.
Blunt-Headed Tree SnakeFound from Mexico to South America, this snake has a long, thin body and large, sticking-out eyes with vertical pupils. It is mostly active at night and hunts small reptiles or their eggs. It prefers cool, damp forests where it can hide easily. Its eyes make it very good at seeing in the dark. It usually moves slowly, waiting for the right moment to strike its prey.Banded Cat-Eyed SnakeThis snake lives in forests and wetlands in Central and South America. Its green eyes have vertical pupils, which look like a cat’s. It hunts at night, mainly eating frogs and small lizards. Its venom is mild, and it rarely bites humans. Its big eyes help it see better in the dark. You can usually spot it on branches or near water at night.
Green Whip SnakeThis snake is found across Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, and Java. It has a slim body and big eyes, and usually stays in forested areas near streams. It is gentle by nature and rarely poses any threat to humans. Its long, thin body helps it move easily through bushes and trees. The large eyes help it see insects and small animals from far away.Rough-Scaled Bush ViperThis viper is native to Central Africa. Its scales are rough and bristled, giving it a unique look. It has large eyes with vertical pupils and spends a lot of time in trees. When threatened, it raises the front part of its body in defence. Its venom can be serious, but its effects vary depending on the person. It is very patient, often staying still for hours. Its big eyes help it notice anything moving around in the forest canopy.Large-Eyed Green Tree SnakeFound in parts of Africa, this snake has big eyes and a usually green body, though some may look black or blue. Its neck and belly are pale gold. It mostly lives in forests and is active during the night, hunting small animals quietly. Its big eyes help it see prey clearly even in low light. People say it moves gracefully among trees, using its eyes to stay aware of everything around it.
Common Big-Eyed SnakeThis snake lives in central and southern Madagascar. It has calm behaviour and big, dark eyes that make it look gentle. It usually moves around during the day, searching the ground for small mammals, lizards, or insects. Its venom is mild and not dangerous to humans. People say it’s easy to watch because it doesn’t move too fast and usually stays in one area. Its big eyes help it spot prey even in shaded forests.BoomslangThe boomslang is found in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Its large eyes stand out, and young snakes often have bright green irises. Boomslangs are tree-dwellers; they sit quietly on branches or in bushes, waiting for birds or chameleons to come close. Their venom is strong and can be dangerous, but they usually try to avoid humans. They are very patient hunters, sometimes staying still for hours. The big eyes help them see movement from far away.Disclaimer: The details in this article are based on online sources and ecological studies. Information may differ depending on species and region.Images: Canva (for representative purposes only)
