Let us take a tour of the types of poisonous snakes that trod upon the Earth. Also get to see some pictures of some of the fearsome venomous snakes in the world.
They were regarded to be the embodiment of peace in the Roman myths, and stood as the symbol of the completeness of heaven and earth in the Mexican folklores. However, the Greek legends reputed these cold blooded crawlers as a source of evil, and the Old Testament believed them as the figure of ‘Satan’. I am referring to no other than one of the most magnificent creations of nature, the ones which never fail to give most people the fright of their life – snakes! If you ask my opinion or the way I look at these slithering crawlers, then you would only find elements of praise and appreciation. For me, they symbolize an unmistakable conjunction of power and patience. Watching their behavior teaches me how to channel my actions to achieve what I desire. And watching them slithering away on any just any surface helps me realize that determination and courage count more than just having a good pair of limbs.
Venomous Snakes – Their Types
Basically, on land there are four known families of poisonous snakes – Elapidae, Viperidae, Colubridae, and Atractaspididae. And Hydrophiidae is the family of venomous snakes found in water.
Elapidae (Elapids)
This family encompasses some of the most notoriously venomous snakes known to man. These creatures are characterized by their short, front fangs that remain in a fixed position. They have slender bodies, and there is hardly any distinction between the head and the neck. These crawlers populate the tropical and subtropical regions of the word. Their fangs are hollow, and able to inject venom in their potential preys or in defense against predators. The nature of the venom is what makes these types of snakes the most venomous. The venom is neurotoxic, and directly attacks the nervous system once inside the body. Common examples may include:
- Indian cobra
- Kraits
- Inland taipan
- Spitting cobra
- The North American coral snake
- Australian copperheads
- King cobras
Viperidae (Viperids)
Next in the family of poisonous snakes is the family known as Viperidae. These serpents are also equipped with front hollow fangs that inject venom that contains what is known as proteases. These are protein-degrading enzymes that cause gruelingly painful symptoms, but are not necessarily fatal. The fangs, unlike those of the Elapids, can be folded back against the roof of the mouth when not in use. Except in Antarctica and Australia, these snakes can be found in all other places on Earth. Examples may include:
- Copperheads
- Rattlesnakes
- Pit vipers
- Bushmaster
- Fer-de-lance
- Russell’s viper
- Fea’s viper
- Saw-scaled viper
- Temple viper
- Death adder
- Gaboon viper
- Rhinoceros vipers
Colubridae (colubrids)
Snakes that are classified under this category can be venomous and non-venomous too. Also, their venom is considered less potent to the one of elapids and viperids. Despite this, their bite needs immediate medical attention. Except Antarctica, all other continents are populated with this snake species. The fangs of these snakes are elongated and grooved, and located in the back of the upper jaw. Common members of this family are:
- African twig snake
- The boomslang
- Racers
- The hognose snake
- Queen snake
- Buff-striped keelback
- The common keelback
- King snake
- Brown vine snake
- Barnes’ cat snake
Atractaspididae
Africa and Middle East are the places where these species of venomous snakes are found. This family is however, surrounded with controversies, and does not have a properly defined place. This is because, many snakes in this group were earlier a member of different families. The venom secreted by these snakes are too weak to cause severe harm, but in some cases, it does. Some examples of this group include:
- Glossy snakes
- Jan’s snake
- Snake eaters
- Quill-snouted snakes
Hydrophiidae
Hydrophiidae was regarded as a separate family of sea snakes at one time. However, more in-depth study about these creatures revealed their close resemblance with those which are classified in the family of elapids. And so sea snakes are regarded as venomous elapid snakes that inhabit the marine ecosystem. It has been reported that the venom of these snakes can be more potent than those found on land. Examples are:
- Turtlehead sea snakes
- Beaked sea snakes
- Jerdon’s sea snake
- Sea kraits
- Yellow bellied sea snake
- Hediger’s snake
Now enjoy the pictures of some popular venomous snakes known to man.
Name : Black Mamba
Scientific Name : Dendroaspis polylepis
Name : Indian Cobra
Scientific Name : Naja naja
Name : King Cobra Snake
Scientific Name : Ophiophagus Hannah
Name : Cape Cobra
Scientific Name : Naja nivea
Name : Coral Snake
Scientific Name : Micrurus fulvius tenere
Name : Copperhead Snake
Scientific Name : Agkistron contortrix
Name : Mozambique Spitting Cobra
Scientific Name : Naja mossambica
Name : Egyptian Cobra
Scientific Name : Naja haje haje
Name : Red Tailed Racer
Scientific Name : Gonyosoma oxycephala
Name : Eastern Tiger Snake
Scientific Name : Telescopus semiannulatus
Name : Common Adder
Scientific Name : Vipera berus
Name : Puff Adder
Scientific Name : Bitis arietans
Name : Diamondback Rattlesnake
Scientific Name : Crotalus atrox
Name : Timber Rattlesnake
Scientific Name : Crotalus horridus
Name : Black Tailed Rattlesnake
Scientific Name : Crotalus molossus
Name : Pacific Rattlesnake
Scientific Name : Crotalus atrox
Name : Mohave Rattlesnake
Scientific Name : Crotalus scutulatus
Name : Water Moccasin
Scientific Name : Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti
Name : Fer-de-lance
Scientific Name : Bothrops asper
Name : Persian Horned Viper
Scientific Name : Pseudocerastes persicus
Name : Eyelash Viper
Scientific Name : Bothriechis schlegelii
Name : Gaboon Viper
Scientific Name : Bitis gabonica
Name : Rhinoceros Viper
Scientific Name : Bitis nasicornis
It is important to specify that these snakes, although venomous, should not be considered as a potent threat. No snake, and in fact no other animal would make up its mind to harm you. And even if they attack, it would be in sheer defense. All they wish is to be left alone to live their lives in the way the Creator has decided for them. Hope it was a good read!