Venomous snake

Venomous snake

Skull of the king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah)

A venomous snake is a species of snake that is capable of producing venom, which is used primarily for hunting prey and for defense against predators. Venomous snakes are found on every continent except Antarctica, and they are particularly diverse in tropical regions.

Characteristics

Venomous snakes possess specialized glands that produce venom, which is delivered through their fangs. The venom can have various effects, including neurotoxic, hemotoxic, or cytotoxic effects, depending on the species. The fangs of venomous snakes are often hollow or grooved, allowing for efficient delivery of venom into their prey.

Types of venomous snakes

Elapidae

The inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus)

The family Elapidae includes some of the most well-known venomous snakes, such as the cobras, kraits, and mambas. These snakes typically have fixed front fangs and produce neurotoxic venom.

Viperidae

Russell's viper (Daboia russelii)

The family Viperidae includes vipers and pit vipers, which are characterized by their long, hinged fangs that allow them to inject venom deeply into their prey. Their venom is often hemotoxic, affecting blood and tissue.

Colubridae

While most colubrids are non-venomous, some species, such as the boomslang and the twig snake, possess venom that can be dangerous to humans.

Venomous snake species

King cobra

The king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is the world's longest venomous snake, capable of reaching lengths of up to 18 feet. It is found in forests from India through Southeast Asia.

Inland taipan

The inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus), also known as the "fierce snake," is considered the most venomous snake in the world based on the toxicity of its venom.

Indian cobra

Indian cobra (Naja naja)

The Indian cobra (Naja naja) is a highly venomous snake found in the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the "big four" snakes responsible for the majority of snakebite cases in India.

Russell's viper

Russell's viper (Daboia russelii) is a venomous viper found in Asia, known for its potent hemotoxic venom.

Saw-scaled viper

Saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus)

The saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus) is a small but highly venomous snake found in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.

Human interactions

Venomous snakes play a crucial role in their ecosystems by controlling the populations of their prey. However, they can pose a danger to humans, particularly in regions where snakebites are common. Antivenom is the primary treatment for venomous snakebites, and its availability is critical in reducing mortality rates.

Related pages

• Snakebite
• Antivenom
• List of dangerous snakes

References

• Whitaker, R., & Captain, A. (2004). Snakes of India: The Field Guide. Draco Books.
• Fry, B. G. (2015). Venomous Reptiles and Their Toxins: Evolution, Pathophysiology and Biodiscovery. Oxford University Press.

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  King Cobra Skull

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  Inland Taipan

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  Common Krait

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  Russell's Viper

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  Indian Cobra

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  Saw-scaled Viper