POISONOUS ASIATIC SNAKES 



Poisonous serpents, which for the most part inhabit tropical or 

 ^sub-tropical regions, are provided with very effective offensive and 

 defensive weapons, in the form of poison-glands, of which the 

 venom is conveyed along certain specialized teeth, known as the 

 "fangs", into the wounds made by these organs. It is a case of 

 biting, and not stinging as often supposed. Often, but by no 

 means always, the presence of the poison-glands causes the head 

 ito be broadened out behind. Some such forms evade obser- 

 vation by being coloured in such a way as to harmonize with the 

 colour-scheme of their surroundings. Others exhibit striking tints 

 and patterns which make them very conspicuous. This Warning 

 Coloration advertises their noxious properties to animals which 

 anight otherwise destroy them. The conspicuousness may be 

 increased by the assumption of Warning Attitudes, or the emission 

 of Warning Sounds. 



