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The evolutionary history of venomous snakes can be traced back to as far as 28 million years ago. [1] Snake venom is modified saliva used for prey immobilization and self-defense and is usually delivered through highly specialized teeth, hollow fangs, directly into the bloodstream or tissue of the target.
Endoglyphs and Other Major Venomous Snakes of the World. A Checklist. Geneva: Azemiops. 478 pp. Strugariu A, Zamfirescu SR, Nicoară A, Gherghel I, Sas I, Pușcașu CM, Bugeac T (2008). "Preliminary data regarding the distribution of the herpetofauna in Iași County (Romania)". North-Western Journal of Zoology 4 (Supplement 1): S1-S23.
The common death adder (Acanthophis antarcticus) is a highly venomous snake species with a 50–60% untreated mortality rate. [87] It is also the fastest striking venomous snake in the world. [88] A death adder can go from a strike position, to strike and envenoming their prey, and back to strike position again, in less than 0.15 seconds. [88]
The other two, the barred grass snake and the smooth snake, are non-venomous. [ 18 ] Sufficient habitat complexity is a crucial requirement for the presence of this species, in order to support its various behaviours—basking, foraging, and hibernation—as well as to offer some protection from predators and human harassment.
The horned viper in particular is considered to be extremely dangerous and possibly the most venomous snake in Europe. [16] The javeline sand boa, the rarest species of snake in Europe and the only species of boa on the continent, was believed extinct in Romania, with the last live specimen being reported in 1937. An entire stable population of ...
Studies have indicated these snakes learn to improve their strike accuracy over time. [11] Many temperate species of pit vipers (e.g. most rattlesnakes) congregate in sheltered areas or "dens" to overwinter (brumate, see hibernation), the snakes benefiting from the combined heat. In cool temperatures and while pregnant, pit vipers also bask on ...
Only a few modern mammal species are capable of producing venom; they are likely the last living examples of what was once a more common trait among the mammals. The definition of "venomous" becomes less distinct here, however, and whether some species are truly venomous is still debated. European mole (Talpa europaea)
Many snakes use their venom as both a defensive and predatory mechanism, and this includes the spitting cobras. The spitting cobra typically inhabits dry savanna and semi-arid environments, particularly the hotter, open areas of sub-Saharan Africa. [3] It uses its venom primarily as a means of defense.