SNAKES THE MOST MYSTERIOUS CREATURE

 

Snakes   
Nature   has  made  several  varieties  and  species   of  snakes.

Different   types  of  snakes  are -
 Elapidae (Elapids)
 The Elapidae family comprises the most venomous species of snakes in the world. These snakes (elapids) are mostly found in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. An important characteristic feature of the elapids is their fixed, hollow fangs, which are used to inject venom. Their venom is neurotoxic, which causes severe damage to nervous tissues, and thus it can be potentially deadly.

 Some popular snake species in the Elapidae family are:

• Black Mamba
• Indian Cobra
• King Cobra
• Cape Cobra
• Green Mamba
• Egyptian Cobra
• Red Spitting Cobra
• Mozambique Spitting Cobra
• Inland Taipan (the most venomous land snake in the world).

Viperidae (Vipers)

The important family of venomous snakes is Viperidae. Snakes in this family (vipers) are known for their long, hinged hollow fangs. Unlike the elapids, which have fixed fangs, the vipers have fangs that can retract and extend. When inactive, these fangs stay folded back against the roof of the snake's mouth. When the mouth opens, the fangs extend and get

 into a biting position.

 Commonly known vipers include:

• Copperheads
• Rattlesnakes
• Water Moccasin
• Bushmaster
• Russell's Viper
• Saw-scaled Viper
• Temple Viper
• Gaboon Viper
• Rhinoceros Viper.

Colubridae (Colubrids)

The Colubridae family comprises snakes (colubrids), most of which are non-venomous or possess venom that is too weak to cause any harm to human life. However, there are some exceptions, such as the boomslang and twig snake, whose bites have been reported to cause fatalities. Colubrids have their fangs located not at the front of the mouth but angled at the back. Hence, they are also noted as rear-fanged snakes. Unlike the elapids and vipers, the fangs of the colubrids are not hollow, but simply grooved to channel the venom when a bite is laid.

 The family of colubrids is known as the largest family of snakes, some common examples of which include:

• Scarlet Snake
• Corn Snake
• Desert Kingsnake
• California Kingsnake
• Western Coachwhip
• Rough Green Snake
• Ribbon Snake
• Red Milk Snake
• Grey-banded Kingsnake
• King Rat snake
• Baird's Rat Snake
• Black Rat Snake.

Boidae

This family comprises non-venomous but big and powerful constrictors, which can swallow a fully-grown buck apart from other large animals! These snakes rely on their strength to suffocate their prey, unlike the venomous ones which use venom as their primary weapon. They do not have fangs but rows of teeth in their upper and lower jaws. It is quite interesting to know how these large reptiles kill their preys. When they coil around their prey, they seem to tighten their grip every time the prey breathes out. Furthermore, they also know when it's time to stop working on their "death-squeeze." Scientists say, snakes can sense their prey's heartbeat and let go when it stops..

 Some popular examples of Boidae family include:

• Anaconda
• Emerald Tree Boa
• Rosy Boa
• Yellow Snake
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  Pythonidae

  Similar to the Boidae family, the Pythonidae family also comprises large non-venomous snakes, which kill their prey by constriction. Most people easily confuse between pythons and boas. While they are similar-looking and have almost the same feeding habits, there are certain characteristic features that set them apart. Pythons are oviparous or egg-laying reptiles, while most boas give birth to live young (ovoviviparous) ones.

   The geographical distribution of pythons is different from or less extensive than that of boas. Common examples of pythons include:
  

  • Reticulated Python
  • Burmese Python
  • The African Rock Python
  • Green Tree Python
  • White-lipped Python
  • Ball Python
  • Carpet Python.

  Hydrophiidae

  Hydrophiidae could be a subfamily of Elapidae according to some taxonomists. The family comprises sea snakes, which are extremely venomous but account for rare human encounters. Their venom contains neurotoxins and mycotoxins and is considered to be more potent than land snakes. This family again could be subdivided into the Hydrophiinae and Laticaudinae. Note that the association of Hydrophiidae to Elapidae is an inconclusive subject.

   . Common examples in this family include:
  

  • Belcher's Sea Snake
  • Spiny-headed Sea Snake
  • Olive Sea Snake
  • Spiny-tailed Sea Snake
  • Turtlehead Sea Snake
  • Beaked Sea Snake
  • Yellow-bellied Sea Snake
  • Yellow-lipped Sea Krait
  • The Arabian Gulf Sea Snake.

  Although non-venomous snakes are harmless, even venomous snakes pose no  threat to human beings, unless they are provoked.
   SNAKES -
  EASTERN  CORAL  SNAKE.
  
  

  

  
  

  
  

   BLACK   MAMBA
  

  

  
   INDIAN  COBRA
  

  

   MOZAMBIQUE    SPITTING   SNAKE
  

  

   RED  DIAMOND  RATTLE   SNAKE
  
  

  

  
   EASTERN  GREEN  MAMBA
  

  

   INDIAN  COBRA   SPECTACLED
  
  

  

  
  

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