Knowra Viperidae Viperidae Viperidae is a family of venomous snakes characterized by long, hinged front fangs that fold against the roof of the mouth. It includes true vipers and pit vipers.
Solenoglyphous dentition : A snake fang arrangement with long, hollow front teeth that rotate into position during a bite. Viperids use these hinged fangs to inject venom while keeping them folded when the mouth is closed.
Serpentes : The reptile suborder containing snakes, characterized by elongated bodies and the absence of limbs. Viperidae is one family within this broader snake lineage.
Snakebite : An injury caused when a snake’s teeth penetrate tissue, sometimes delivering venom. Viperid bites can cause severe local tissue damage and systemic illness.
Russell's viper : A large Asian viper whose venom can cause severe bleeding, clotting disorders, and kidney injury. It is a medically important viperid across parts of South and Southeast Asia.
Elapidae : A family of venomous snakes that includes cobras, kraits, mambas, and coral snakes. Elapids generally have fixed front fangs, unlike the long, hinged fangs of viperids.
Snake venom : A mixture of biologically active substances produced by venom glands and delivered through specialized teeth. Viperid venom disables prey, with effects shaped by species and venom composition.
Viperinae : A subfamily of Viperidae containing true vipers, generally lacking heat-sensing loreal pits. It is one of the two principal living branches commonly recognized within Viperidae.
Antivenom : A preparation of antibodies or antibody fragments used to neutralize venom toxins. Antivenoms are developed to treat bites from particular viperid species or groups.
Saw-scaled viper : A small, highly venomous viper in the genus Echis, found across parts of Africa and Asia. Several Echis species cause substantial numbers of serious snakebites.
Colubridae : A large and diverse snake family that includes many species with rear fangs and many nonvenomous species. Its varied dentition contrasts with the specialized front-fanged system characteristic of viperids.
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