Welcome to the Atrox Snake Barrier Snake Glossary. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on some of the world’s most dangerous snakes. From the swift and deadly Black Mamba in Africa to the highly venomous Inland Taipan in Australia, this glossary covers a wide range of venomous snakes across different continents. Learn about their habitats, venom potency, and the risks they pose. Whether you’re a snake enthusiast or looking to protect your property, our glossary is designed to provide valuable insights and help you stay safe. Explore our extensive list and discover how Atrox Snake Barrier can protect you from these formidable reptiles.

Dangerous Snakes of Africa

  1. Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis)
    • Location: Sub-Saharan Africa
    • Description: Known for its speed and highly potent venom, the Black Mamba is one of Africa’s most dangerous snakes. It is agile, aggressive, and can deliver multiple bites in a single attack.
  2. Boomslang (Dispholidus typus)
    • Location: Sub-Saharan Africa
    • Description: A highly venomous tree-dwelling snake. The Boomslang’s venom disrupts blood clotting, leading to severe hemorrhaging. Despite its toxicity, it is generally shy and avoids human contact.
  3. Egyptian Cobra (Naja haje)
    • Location: North Africa, from Morocco to Egypt
    • Description: Known for its distinctive hood and potent venom, the Egyptian Cobra is one of Africa’s most recognizable snakes. It can deliver a potentially fatal bite if not treated promptly.
  4. Puff Adder (Bitis arietans)
    • Location: Throughout Africa, except for the Sahara and rainforest regions
    • Description: Responsible for more snakebite fatalities in Africa than any other snake due to its widespread distribution and potent venom. The Puff Adder is slow-moving but highly dangerous.
  5. Gaboon Viper (Bitis gabonica)
    • Location: Central and Western Africa
    • Description: The Gaboon Viper has the longest fangs of any snake and a very potent venom. It is well-camouflaged in leaf litter and delivers a large quantity of venom in a single bite.
  6. Green Mamba (Dendroaspis angusticeps)
    • Location: Coastal regions of East and Southern Africa
    • Description: The Green Mamba is highly venomous and arboreal, living mainly in trees. Its venom is neurotoxic, causing paralysis and potentially death if untreated.
  7. Forest Cobra (Naja melanoleuca)
    • Location: Central and Western Africa
    • Description: This large and highly venomous cobra is known for its aggression and potent venom, which can cause respiratory failure and death.
  8. Mozambique Spitting Cobra (Naja mossambica)
    • Location: Eastern and Southern Africa
    • Description: Known for its ability to spit venom with great accuracy, targeting the eyes of its predators. Its venom can cause severe pain and blindness.
  9. Cape Cobra (Naja nivea)
    • Location: Southern Africa
    • Description: Highly venomous and versatile in its habitat, ranging from deserts to moist savannahs. Its venom is neurotoxic and can cause death if not treated quickly.
  10. West African Carpet Viper (Echis ocellatus)
    • Location: West Africa
    • Description: Responsible for many snakebite fatalities in West Africa. Its venom causes severe bleeding and tissue damage.

Dangerous Snakes of Asia

  1. King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah)
    • Location: South and Southeast Asia
    • Description: The world’s longest venomous snake, capable of reaching 18 feet. The King Cobra’s venom is powerful and can cause rapid respiratory failure. It is highly revered and feared in its native range.
  2. Russell’s Viper (Daboia russelii)
    • Location: Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, Taiwan, and Southern China
    • Description: This snake is highly venomous and responsible for numerous snakebite incidents. Its venom causes severe pain, swelling, and can lead to kidney failure and death if untreated.
  3. Indian Cobra (Naja naja)
    • Location: Indian subcontinent
    • Description: Recognizable by its “spectacle” hood pattern, the Indian Cobra is highly venomous. It plays a significant role in Indian mythology and culture, but its bite can be fatal without immediate medical treatment.
  4. Malayan Krait (Bungarus candidus)
    • Location: Southeast Asia
    • Description: Known for its potent neurotoxic venom, which can cause paralysis and respiratory failure. The Malayan Krait is nocturnal and often bites humans when inadvertently disturbed at night.
  5. Saw-Scaled Viper (Echis carinatus)
    • Location: Middle East, Central Asia, and Indian subcontinent
    • Description: This small but highly venomous snake is responsible for many snakebite deaths. Its venom can cause severe bleeding and coagulopathy, leading to fatal consequences if untreated.
  6. Banded Krait (Bungarus fasciatus)
    • Location: South and Southeast Asia
    • Description: This nocturnal snake has potent neurotoxic venom that can cause respiratory paralysis. It is distinctive with its black and yellow bands.
  7. Philippine Cobra (Naja philippinensis)
    • Location: Northern Philippines
    • Description: Known for its ability to spit venom. Its venom is highly neurotoxic and can cause respiratory failure.
  8. Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus)
    • Location: Indian subcontinent
    • Description: Highly venomous with neurotoxic venom that causes muscle paralysis. Bites are often painless, making it hard to realize one has been bitten until symptoms appear.
  9. Chinese Cobra (Naja atra)
    • Location: China, Taiwan, and Northern Vietnam
    • Description: This cobra is highly venomous, with a bite that can cause severe neurotoxic symptoms and death if not treated promptly.
  10. Habu Snake (Protobothrops flavoviridis)
    • Location: Okinawa and the Ryukyu Islands, Japan
    • Description: A pit viper with venom that causes significant tissue damage and internal bleeding. It is a major cause of snakebites in its region.

Dangerous Snakes of Australia and Oceania

  1. Inland Taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus)
    • Location: Australia
    • Description: Known as the most venomous snake in the world, the Inland Taipan has venom that can kill a human within an hour. However, it is reclusive and rarely encountered by humans.
  2. Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis)
    • Location: Eastern and Central Australia
    • Description: Extremely venomous and responsible for more deaths in Australia than any other snake. It is aggressive and its venom causes progressive paralysis and coagulopathy.
  3. Coastal Taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus)
    • Location: Coastal regions of Northern and Eastern Australia, New Guinea
    • Description: Highly venomous and fast-moving, known for its potent neurotoxic venom. The Coastal Taipan is considered very dangerous and can deliver multiple bites rapidly.
  4. Tiger Snake (Notechis scutatus)
    • Location: Southern Australia, Tasmania
    • Description: Highly venomous, with a bite that can cause severe illness or death. The Tiger Snake’s venom affects the nervous system, blood clotting, and muscles.
  5. Death Adder (Acanthophis antarcticus)
    • Location: Australia, New Guinea
    • Description: Ambush predator with highly toxic venom that causes paralysis. Despite its name, the Death Adder is often mistaken for a viper due to its stout body and triangular head.
  6. Western Brown Snake (Pseudonaja nuchalis)
    • Location: Australia
    • Description: Similar to the Eastern Brown Snake, it is highly venomous and aggressive. Its venom is neurotoxic and can cause severe bleeding.
  7. Mulga Snake (Pseudechis australis)
    • Location: Australia
    • Description: Also known as the King Brown Snake, it has a potent venom that causes muscle damage and blood clotting disorders.
  8. Taipan (Oxyuranus spp.)
    • Location: Australia and New Guinea
    • Description: The genus includes highly venomous snakes like the Inland and Coastal Taipan, both of which have neurotoxic venom.
  9. Lowland Copperhead (Austrelaps superbus)
    • Location: Southeastern Australia and Tasmania
    • Description: Venomous with a bite that can cause severe illness. It prefers cooler habitats and is less aggressive than other Australian snakes.
  10. Red-Bellied Black Snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus)
    • Location: Eastern Australia
    • Description: Venomous with a bite that can cause significant pain, swelling, and muscle damage. It is semi-aquatic and often found near water bodies.

Dangerous Snakes of Europe

  1. Asp Viper (Vipera aspis)
    • Location: Southern Europe
    • Description: This viper is found in France, Italy, Switzerland, and Spain. Its venom is potent and can cause severe pain, swelling, and systemic symptoms.
  2. European Adder (Vipera berus)
    • Location: Across Europe, including the UK, Scandinavia, and Russia
    • Description: The only venomous snake in the UK, the European Adder’s bite can cause significant pain and swelling, but fatalities are rare with proper treatment.
  3. Nose-Horned Viper (Vipera ammodytes)
    • Location: Southeastern Europe, Balkans
    • Description: Recognizable by the horn-like structure on its nose, this viper is highly venomous and can cause severe local and systemic effects.
  4. Long-Nosed Viper (Vipera ammodytes)
    • Location: Balkans and parts of Italy
    • Description: Similar to the Nose-Horned Viper, it is highly venomous with potent cytotoxic venom that causes severe tissue damage.
  5. Orsini’s Viper (Vipera ursinii)
    • Location: Central and Southern Europe
    • Description: A small, highly venomous viper with venom that causes pain and swelling. It is rare and considered less dangerous due to its reclusive nature.
  6. Lataste’s Viper (Vipera latastei)
    • Location: Iberian Peninsula and North Africa
    • Description: Highly venomous with a distinctive “horn” on its nose. Its venom can cause severe pain, swelling, and systemic effects.
  7. Milos Viper (Macrovipera schweizeri)
    • Location: Greek islands of Milos, Sifnos, and Kimolos
    • Description: Endemic to these islands, the Milos Viper is highly venomous and can cause severe local and systemic symptoms.
  8. Wagner’s Viper (Montivipera wagneri)
    • Location: Eastern Turkey and Iran
    • Description: Highly venomous with potent venom that can cause severe pain and systemic effects. It is a rare and endangered species.
  9. European Asp (Vipera aspis)
    • Location: Southern Europe, including France, Italy, and Switzerland
    • Description: Similar to the Asp Viper, it has potent venom that causes severe pain and swelling.
  10. Meadow Viper (Vipera ursinii)
    • Location: Central and Southern Europe
    • Description: A small but highly venomous viper. Its venom is less potent compared to other vipers but can still cause significant local effects.

Dangerous Snakes of North America

  1. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus)
    • Location: Southeastern United States
    • Description: The largest rattlesnake species, highly venomous with a potent hemotoxin. It is known for its distinctive rattle and aggressive nature when threatened.
  2. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox)
    • Location: Southwestern United States and Mexico
    • Description: Common and dangerous, known for its aggressive nature and potent venom that causes severe pain, swelling, and tissue damage.
  3. Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus)
    • Location: Southwestern United States and Central Mexico
    • Description: Highly venomous, with a potent neurotoxic and hemotoxic venom. Its bite can cause severe neurological symptoms and systemic effects.
  4. Coral Snake (Micrurus fulvius)
    • Location: Southeastern United States
    • Description: Brightly colored, with potent neurotoxic venom that can cause respiratory failure. Known for its red, yellow, and black banding.
  5. Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus)
    • Location: Southeastern United States
    • Description: Also known as the water moccasin, it has a highly toxic venom that causes severe pain and tissue damage. It is semi-aquatic and often found near water bodies.
  6. Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)
    • Location: Eastern and Central United States
    • Description: Venomous pit viper with a bite that can cause severe pain and swelling. It is known for its copper-colored head and hourglass pattern on the body.
  7. Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)
    • Location: Eastern United States
    • Description: Highly venomous with hemotoxic venom that can cause significant tissue damage and systemic symptoms. It is found in deciduous forests and mountainous regions.
  8. Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis)
    • Location: Western United States
    • Description: Venomous with a bite that can cause severe pain, swelling, and tissue damage. It is found in a variety of habitats, from deserts to forests.
  9. Eastern Coral Snake (Micrurus fulvius)
    • Location: Southeastern United States
    • Description: Highly venomous with potent neurotoxic venom. Its bite can cause respiratory failure and death if not treated promptly.
  10. Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis viridis)
    • Location: Great Plains of the United States and Canada
    • Description: Venomous with hemotoxic venom that causes pain, swelling, and tissue damage. It is found in grasslands and open prairies.

Dangerous Snakes of South America

  1. Fer-de-Lance (Bothrops asper)
    • Location: Central and South America
    • Description: Highly venomous pit viper responsible for many snakebite fatalities in its range. Its venom causes severe tissue damage and systemic effects.
  2. Bushmaster (Lachesis muta)
    • Location: Central and South America
    • Description: One of the largest venomous snakes in the Americas, known for its potent venom. It is elusive and prefers remote rainforest habitats.
  3. South American Rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus)
    • Location: Central and South America
    • Description: Highly venomous rattlesnake known for its neurotoxic venom, which can cause paralysis and death.
  4. Bothrops jararaca (Bothrops jararaca)
    • Location: Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina
    • Description: Venomous pit viper with venom that causes severe hemorrhaging and necrosis. It is a major cause of snakebite incidents in Brazil.
  5. Eyelash Viper (Bothriechis schlegelii)
    • Location: Central and South America
    • Description: Small but highly venomous, recognizable by its characteristic “eyelashes.” Its venom causes significant pain and swelling.
  6. Coral Snake (Micrurus spp.)
    • Location: Central and South America
    • Description: Brightly colored with potent neurotoxic venom. Bites can cause respiratory failure and death if not treated promptly.
  7. Lancehead (Bothrops atrox)
    • Location: Amazon Basin
    • Description: Highly venomous pit viper with venom that causes severe tissue damage and systemic effects. It is responsible for many snakebites in the Amazon region.
  8. Urutu (Bothrops alternatus)
    • Location: Southern Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina
    • Description: Venomous pit viper with venom that causes severe pain, swelling, and necrosis. It is often found in grasslands and forests.
  9. Golden Lancehead (Bothrops insularis)
    • Location: Ilha da Queimada Grande, Brazil
    • Description: Endemic to this island, the Golden Lancehead is highly venomous with venom that can cause severe systemic effects and death.
  10. Yarará (Bothrops neuwiedi)
    • Location: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay
    • Description: Venomous pit viper with venom that causes pain, swelling, and systemic effects. It is found in a variety of habitats, from forests to grasslands.