What scientific field studies snakes?

Ophiology is the scientific field devoted specifically to the study of snakes.

The word comes from Greek ophis, meaning “snake,” combined with the suffix -logy, meaning the study of something. Ophiology covers snake anatomy, classification, behavior, ecology, evolution, reproduction, and venom.

Ophiology is narrower than herpetology. Herpetology is the broader branch of zoology concerned with reptiles and amphibians, so a scientist studying snakes may be called a herpetologist even when their work is specifically ophiological.

The term is useful in reference works and specialist writing, but it is less common in everyday speech than “snake biology” or “herpetology.” Snake research also overlaps with toxinology, veterinary medicine, conservation biology, and public-health studies because bites and antivenom are important research topics.