Forensic Medicine · Toxicology — Specific Poisons

Snake Bite — Classification & Identifying Venomous Snakes

2 min read · Verified by professors

Classification of Important Venomous Snakes

Venomous snakes are grouped into three families by the type of venom they produce.

FamilyExamplesType of Venom
ElapidaeCobra, KraitNeurotoxic
ViperidaeRussell's viper, Saw-scaled viperVasculotoxic / Hemotoxic
HydrophidaeSea snakesMyotoxic

Venomous vs Non-Venomous Snake

Clinical

Venomous snake — possesses venom glands and specialized fangs capable of injecting venom into the victim.

Non-venomous snake — lacks venom glands and poison fangs; the bite is usually harmless except for local injury or infection.