No animal has played as significant a role in religion and superstition as the snake. Since ancient times, it has inspired both fear and respect in humans. Helplessly exposed to the snake’s venom, people regarded it as a divine being or as the embodiment of the devil. In ancient Greece, the snake was a symbol of wisdom, and in India, the cobra is still revered and respected today. A Hindu feels honored when a cobra enters his house. He does not kill it, but waits for it to leave of its own accord. According to Hindu legends, the spots painted by Buddha on the neck of the spectacled cobra are eyes, intended to frighten away kites (birds of prey) and thus protect their offspring (Fig. 1). In addition to fear, snakes have always aroused the curiosity of naturalists.