The Black Mamba the longest venomous snake in Africa and the fastest snake in the world (Dendroaspis polylepis) (24 Pics)

The black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis), also called the common black mamba or black-mouthed mamba, is the longest venomous snake in Africa and the second longest venomous snake in the world, behind the King Cobra.

It is named for the black colour of the inside of the mouth rather than the colour of its scales which varies from dull yellowish-green to a gun-metal grey. It is also the fastest snake in the world, capable of moving at 4.32 to 5.4 metres per second (16–20 km/h, 10–12 mph).

The black mamba has a reputation for being very aggressive, but it usually attempts to flee from humans like most snakes, unless it is threatened. Without rapid and vigorous antivenom therapy, a bite from a black mamba is almost always fatal

The black mamba faces human persecution because of its negative reputation throughout Africa. With the increasing amount of its territory being inhabited by humans, the black mamba often finds itself cornered with no escape. In this situation, it will stand its ground and display fearsome tenacity and explosive aggression while hissing loudly and striking repeatedly. A group of people is usually required to kill it, as it is very fast and agile, striking in all directions while a third of its body is 3–4 feet (0.91–1.2 m) above the ground. The deep fear of this snake stems not only from its reputation for aggression, speed, and venom toxicity, but from stories and legends that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_mamba

The Mystical Indian cobra or spectacled cobra (Naja naja) (24 Pics)

Indian cobra (Naja naja) also known as Asian cobra or spectacled cobra is a snake's hood are two circular ocelli patterns connected by a curved line, evoking the image of spectacles. Hindus believe them to be the footmarks of Krishna, who danced on Kāliyā, the hundred and ten hooded snake's head.

The spectacled cobra is greatly respected and feared, and even has its own place in Hindu mythology as a powerful deity. The Hindu god Shiva is often depicted with a cobra coiled around his neck, symbolizing his mastery over "maya" or the world-illusion. Vishnu is usually portrayed as reclining on the coiled body of Adishesha, the Preeminent Serpent, a giant snake deity with multiple cobra heads. Cobras are also worshipped during the Hindu festival of Nag Panchami.

There are numerous myths about cobras in India, including the idea that they mate with ratsnakes.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_cobra

Atheris Or most known as The Bush Viper (13 Pics)

Atheris is a genus of venomous vipers found only in tropical subsaharan Africa, excluding southern Africa. Confined to rain forest areas, many members have isolated and fragmented distributions. In an interesting example of convergent evolution, they show many similarities to the arboreal pit vipers of Asia and South America. Ten species are currently recognized.They are relatively small in size, with adults ranging in total length (body + tail) from 40 cm (16 in) for A. katangensis to a maximum of 78 cm (31 in) for A. squamigera.The body is slender, tapering, and slightly compressed. The dorsal scales are overlapping, strongly keeled and have apical pits. Laterally these are smaller than the middorsals. Midbody there are 14–36 rows of dorsal scales. There are 133–175 rounded ventral scales. The subcaudal scales are single and number 38–67. The tail is strongly prehensile and can support the body while suspended from a branch or a twig.

From : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atheris