An analysis is presented of a sample of Atractaspididae (sensuMcDowell) plusMacrelaps, Aparallactus, Apostolepis, Elapomorphus, Homoroselapsand six genera of African elapids in respect of squamation, reproductive organs, skull, head muscles and vertebrae.Homoroselapsis linked with the African Elapidae and is returned to that family. Scattered special resemblances to atractaspids are interpreted as homoplasies. Some interrelationships of the African elapids are suggested. The South AmericanApostolepisandElapomorphusrepresent a separate, possibly related, lineage at the same grade level as the African Atractaspididae.MacrelapsandAparallactusare transferred to the Atractaspididae.Atractaspisemerges as a low grade but highly divergent member of the family.Macrelapsis the most primitive. The other taxonomic units are completely resolved with, however, the anomaly of reversal to the seemingly primitive states of six characters in four lineages (six genera). The Atractaspididae,ApostolepisandElapomorphusare regarded as low grade members of the Caenophidia. It is suggested that early in the history of the caenophidian lineage a venom apparatus was acquired, prior to the major radiation of the group. Many descendent lineages show regression of the venom apparatus.