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. (Click on the image to view the enlarged version).

Pictures	Name	Scientific Name
	Black Mamba	Dendroaspis polylepis
	Indian Cobra	Naja naja
	King Cobra Snake	Ophiophagus Hannah
	Cape Cobra	Naja nivea
	Coral Snake	Micrurus fulvius tenere
	Copperhead Snake	Agkistron contortrix
	Mozambique Spitting Cobra	Naja mossambica
	Egyptian Cobra	Naja haje haje
	Red Tailed Racer	Gonyosoma oxycephala
	Eastern Tiger Snake	Telescopus semiannulatus
	Common Adder	Vipera berus
	Puff Adder	Bitis arietans
	Diamondback Rattlesnake	Crotalus atrox
	Timber Rattlesnake	Crotalus horridus
	Black Tailed Rattlesnake	Crotalus molossus
	Pacific Rattlesnake	Crotalus atrox
	Mohave Rattlesnake	Crotalus scutulatus
	Water Moccasin	Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti
	Fer-de-lance	Bothrops asper
	Persian Horned Viper	Pseudocerastes persicus
	Eyelash Viper	Bothriechis schlegelii
	Gaboon Viper	Bitis gabonica
	Rhinoceros Viper	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!