Common Snake Venoms
Snake venom is a specialized, highly modified saliva (venomectin) containing various toxins that facilitate the paralyzing and digestive digestion of prey, and provide defense against enemies. It generally is injected into a target by special fangs, and some species can even release spit containing venom at the point of a strike. The most poisonous snakes in the world are venomous snakes and include the rattlesnake, coral snake, coral dragonfly, cobra, copperhead, king snake, coralback, milk snake, pit viper, coral snake, and coral salamander. Most are harmless and grow in large numbers in tropical and subtropical areas.
Although most snakes will not attack or bite unless they are threatened seriously enough, occasionally an innocent victim may be bitten. The coral snake, for example, has a venom that causes constriction of the blood vessels and can cause death within ten minutes if left untreated. People who handle live coral snakes must practice special precautions such as wearing gloves and taking great care with handling them. Common coral snake poison is red drain, which is carried on the snake by its carrier. Another toxic coral snake venom secretions are yellow dock, white tail, blistering corrosive, and green sap.
Some of the snake venoms are proteolytic, meaning they break down proteins. They can be found in snake veins, tendons, and cartilage. Red-tipped venoms are often referred to as needle-like poisons, because their tip contains a needle-like projection that injects a victim with an excruciatingly painful spur. White-tipped venom has similar features, but it usually has a fang-like mouth component that injects the venom directly into the skin. These toxins have a tendency to leave scars, especially on the toes and fingers.
The three known types of snake venoms are the p-i class, the p-ii class, and the s-i class. The p-i class includes yellow fin, bean, Harlequin, and devil’s claw. These toxins are considered relatively non-toxic. The p-ii class consists of diamond, egg, fire, halo, iris, liver, rattle, water moccasin, snapping turtle, and white-tipped claws. While it is considered relatively non-toxic, it causes instantaneous paralysis and loss of consciousness.
On the other hand, the p-i class contains only two known types of snake venoms. These include cobra venom, which are probably the most toxic, and coral snake venoms, which are probably the most efficient venom delivery system for a mollusk. Coral snake venoms are injected into the soft underbelly of a mollusk or into its musculoskeletal tissue. This delivers a venom that causes severe pain and tissue necrosis.
Snake venoms may be delivered by a few different means. However, most of these delivery systems use neurotoxins to deliver them. Neurotoxins, or toxins that act on neurons, have been identified as the cause of death in all forms of venomous snake bites. Generally, neurotoxins act on nerve cells or synapses, and it is generally believed that they cause permanent brain cell damage in snakes. Accordingly, all reported cases of snakebite death resulted from neurotoxins.
There are a few other types of snake venoms that have been identified. In general neurotoxic venom is used by a few selected snakes to immobilize their prey. For example, white-tailed Boas inject a neurotoxin that prevents your snake from being able to move by constricting the muscles in its body. Their preferred prey types are primarily birds and small mammals, including mice and voles.
While snake venoms are generally categorized into those that affect only snakes and those that affect mammals as well, there are still some exceptions. For example, opossums and certain marsupials, such as squirrel monkeys and lemurs, are capable of secreting venom that can harm humans. Their preferred prey is voles and birds, but they will also attack and bite dogs and cats if they are provoked. Because these animals generally feed near the water, you should keep an eye on your pets around the water in the summer to see whether they are feeding on any fish in your aquarium.
