Viper

AdenorhinosAtherisAzemiopsBitisCerastesDaboiaEchisEristicophisMacroviperaMontatherisProatherisPseudocerastesVipera

Related Topics:
Adenorhinos - Atheris - Azemiops - Bitis - Cerastes - Daboia - Echis - Eristicophis - Macrovipera - Montatheris - Proatheris - Pseudocerastes - Vipera

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:This page is about Viper snakes. For other uses see Viper (disambiguation).

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Vipers are venomous snakes belonging to the Viperidae family (consisting of roughly 150 species). They are characterised by long erectile fangs, which are folded back when not in use. They also have triangle-shaped heads with a distinctly narrower neck. The broad areas of the head house the venom glands. Their eyes have irises like those of a cat. Being 0.3–3 m long, vipers feed on small animals, which are injected with venom and then followed until they die.

Related Topics:
Snake - Viperidae - Fang - Iris - Cat - Animal - Venom

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The viper's venom is a haemotoxin, and is generally more dangerous than the neurotoxin of a cobra. Since vipers possess a poor digestive system, they rely on the venom to do the job via rapid tissue damage. Thus, a bite to humans can, at the worst, be even fatal. The exact effect strongly depends on the type of viper and the constitution and build of the human in question. However, because of the notable tissue damage caused by the venom, even with good treatment the bite is sure to leave a permanent mark. At the very worst, the area may even have to be amputated.

Related Topics:
Haemotoxin - Neurotoxin - Amputated

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