Venomous snake facts for kids
A venomous snake is a type of snake that uses a special poison to catch its food and protect itself. This poison is called venom. Snakes deliver venom through their fangs, which are like tiny needles.
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Snake Families with Venom
There are over 600 known types of venomous snakes. This means about one-quarter of all snake species in the world use venom. These snakes belong to different families, each with unique features.
Atractaspididae: Burrowing Snakes
The Atractaspididae family includes snakes often called burrowing asps, mole vipers, or stiletto snakes. These snakes are usually small and live underground. They have special fangs that can stick out even when their mouth is closed. This helps them bite prey in tight spaces.
Colubridae: Diverse Snakes
The Colubridae family is the largest snake family. Most snakes in this group are harmless to humans. However, some have toxic saliva, which is a mild form of venom. A few species, like the Boomslang (Dispholidus typus), have venom strong enough to be dangerous to people.
Elapidae: Cobras and More
The Elapidae family includes some of the most well-known venomous snakes. This group features cobras, coral snakes, kraits, mambas, sea snakes, and sea kraits. Many Australian venomous snakes also belong to this family. Elapids usually have fixed fangs at the front of their mouths.
Viperidae: Vipers and Pit Vipers
The Viperidae family includes true vipers and pit vipers. Famous members of this family are rattlesnakes and the Albany Adder. Vipers are known for their long, hinged fangs. These fangs can fold back against the roof of their mouth when not in use. When a viper strikes, the fangs swing forward to deliver venom.
See also
In Spanish: Serpiente venenosa para niños
