"Serpiente" is the Spanish word for "snake," referring to a legless reptile that belongs to the suborder Serpentes. Snakes are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, deserts, and oceans. They are known for their elongated bodies, lack of eyelids, and ability to swallow prey whole. There are over 3,000 species of snakes worldwide, ranging from the harmless garter snake to the venomous king cobra. Snakes play important roles in ecosystems as both predators and prey, helping to control populations of rodents and other small animals.