Snakes don't have eyelids. They have a protective membrane on each eye, called brille, which allows them to sleep with their eyes open. ¹⁾

Genetic studies in recent years have indicated that snakes are not as closely related to monitor lizards and mosasaurs as believed. However, there is more evidence linking mosasaurs to snakes than mosasaurs to varanids. ²⁾

Living snakes are found on every continent on Earth except for Antarctica. ³⁾

Australia is home to 21 of the 25 most venomous snakes in the world. Among them are the Desert Taipan, the Australian Taipan, and the Mulga. ⁴⁾

The black and white cobra is the most venomous. The maximum dose of its venom could kill 65 humans or 245,000 mice. The least venomous is the Cape cobra. Its maximum dose of venom would kill 9 people or 31,000 mice. The black and white cobra is found from Senegal to Ethiopia and South Africa. Seeing prey, the cobra approaches silently and spits venom from its venom teeth into the distance. These snakes know very well where the most sensitive point of the prey is. ⁵⁾

The reticulated python grows up to 32 feet and weighs over 250 pounds. It is the longest of all snake species - although it is second in weight to the anaconda, which can reach up to 550 pounds due to its life in aquatic environments. ⁶⁾

Egg-eating snake is found in Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Dasypeltis feeds exclusively on the eggs of birds. Eggs - often larger than the head of the snake - are swallowed whole, which is possible thanks to the enormous stretch of the mouth, neck, and esophagus. ⁷⁾