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Mildly venomous snakes like Ahaetuliinae (e.g., Vine snakes) and Boiga (e.g., Cat snakes) are rear-fanged snakes found throughout India. Their venom is adapted for small prey and poses little to no risk to humans. 🧬 Venom Composition Component Description Three-finger toxins (3FTx) Neurotoxic peptides, less potent than in kraits or cobras Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) Mild inflammation, usually localized C-type lectins Mild effect on blood clotting (in prey) Serine proteases Breaks down tissue, not harmful to humans Metalloproteinases Weak digestion of prey tissue 🧠 Why They Are Not Fatal to Humans Small venom glands: Very limited quantity of venom produced Rear-fanged: Fangs are deep in the mouth; venom delivery is poor Weak venom potency: Effective only on small prey Rare envenomation: Most bites are d...

India is home to over 300 species of snakes, out of which around 60 are venomous. Snake venom is a complex mix of proteins, enzymes, and toxins. The primary types of venom found in Indian snakes are neurotoxic , hemotoxic , cytotoxic , and myotoxic . Each type affects the human body differently, depending on the snake’s species and venom composition. Main Types of Snake Venom Venom Type Composition Effect on Humans Neurotoxic Neurotoxins, Acetylcholine inhibitors Paralysis, respiratory failure, death without ventilation Hemotoxic Hemotoxins, Proteolytic enzymes Internal bleeding, shock, organ failure Cytotoxic Cytotoxins Tissue death, severe pain, necrosis Myotoxic Myotoxins Muscle breakdown, kidney failure Examples of Indian Snakes by Venom Type Venom ...

In a groundbreaking 2024 taxonomic revision, researchers confirmed that the legendary King Cobra is not one species, but four. These distinct serpents, long hidden under a single name, are now recognized for their unique genetics, morphology, and geography. 1. Ophiophagus hannah – Northern King Cobra Image © Gowri Shankar(CC) Region: Northern & Eastern India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Andaman Islands Appearance: Large, long-bodied, variable banding, olive to black in color Habitat: Forested hills, bamboo thickets, wetlands, human-adjacent areas Venom: Potent neurotoxin, causes respiratory paralysis Notes: This is the "classic" King Cobra most are familiar with; very adaptable 2. Ophiophagus kaalinga – Western Ghats King Cobra Image © Gowri Shankar(CC) Region: Western Ghats, India (Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu) Appearance: Darker ove...

Snake Discoveries & Taxonomic Changes in India (2023–2024) This post documents the major taxonomic revisions, reclassifications, newly discovered snake species, and genus-level changes across India between 2017 and 2025. 🔁 Renamed, Revalidated, or Split Species Ahaetulla travancorica, A. farnsworthi, A. sahyadrensis – vine snakes split in 2020. King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) – genomic reassessment in 2025 split it into multiple species. Teretrurus hewstoni & T. travancoricus – resurrected shieldtail taxa (2022). Lycodon deccanensis – Deccan wolf snake split in 2020. Dendrelaphis chairecacos – revalidated bronzeback (2024). Genus realignment: Trimeresurus → Craspedocephalus for major Indian pit-vipers. 🆕 Newly Described Species & Genera (2017–2025) Year Species / Genus Location / Note 2017 ...

Types of Reproduction in Snakes | Snake Rescue India Snakes, one of the most fascinating reptiles on Earth, exhibit three primary types of reproduction depending on their species and ecological adaptations. These reproductive strategies ensure survival in diverse environments, from rainforests to deserts. 1. Oviparous (Egg-Laying) Oviparous snakes lay eggs which develop and hatch outside the mother's body. The eggs are often laid in warm, moist places like under logs, in burrows, or leaf litter. Most oviparous snakes do not guard their eggs, but some species (like cobras) show parental care by guarding the nest. Development: External (outside the mother's body) Advantages: Energy-efficient, lays multiple eggs Examples: Indian Rat Snake, Common Krait, King Cobra, Indian Cobra 2. Viviparous (True Live Birth) Viviparous snakes give birth to fully developed young. The embryos are nourished ...

LD₅₀ Toxicity Chart of Venomous Snakes of India Snake Species Scientific Name Venom Type LD₅₀ (mg/kg) Notes Sindh Krait Bungarus sindanus Neurotoxic IV: 0.04 / SC: 0.15 Extremely toxic; high IV lethality Common Krait Bungarus caeruleus Neurotoxic IV: 0.169 / SC: 0.325 Big Four; very dangerous night biter Andaman Krait Bungarus andamanensis Neurotoxic Data limited Rare; endemic to Andaman Islands Coral Snake Sinomicrurus macclellandi Neurotoxic IV: 0.13 Very potent but rarely encountered Central Asian Cobra Naja oxiana Neurotoxic IV: 0.14 – 0.18 Near NW India; extremely venomous Indian Spectacled Cobra Naja naja Neurotoxic IV: 0.18 – 0.29 Big Four; widespread across India Monocled Cobra Naja kaouthia Neur...

(Echis carinatus vs Boiga trigonata) Scientific Classification Feature Saw-scaled Viper Common Cat Snake Scientific Name Echis carinatus Boiga trigonata Family Viperidae Colubridae Venom Highly venomous (hemotoxic) Visit for more information on "Types of venom in Indian snakes" and "LD₅₀ Toxicity Chart of Indian snakes" . Mildly venomous (rear-fanged) For more details, see "Mildly venomous snakes venom composition and Effects on humans" . Fang Type Solenoglyphous (hinged front fangs) Opisthoglyphous (rear fangs) Length Up to 80 cm Up to 90 cm Reproduction Ovoviviparous (gives birth to live y...

(Bungarus caeruleus vs Lycodon aulicus) Scientific Classification Feature Common Krait Common Wolf Snake Scientific Name Bungarus caeruleus Lycodon aulicus Family Elapidae Colubridae Venom Highly venomous (neurotoxic). Visit for more information on "Types of venom in Indian snakes" and "LD₅₀ Toxicity Chart of Indian snakes" . Non-venomous Fang Type Proteroglyphous (fixed front fangs) Aglipha (no specialized fangs) Length Up to 1.5 m (5 ft) Usually up to 70 cm Reproduction Lays 8-12 eggs between March–May. For more details, see "Types of Reproduction in Snakes" . ...

Image: Sind Krait and walls krait( CC BY-Vivek sharma and pratik sarkar ) The Sind Krait ( Bungarus sindanus ) and Wall’s Krait ( Bungarus walli ) may look similar, but they are scientifically distinct species with key differences in genetics, venom, and distribution. This detailed comparison highlights their differences with scientific evidence. 🧬 Taxonomic Classification Attribute Sind Krait ( B. sindanus ) Wall’s Krait ( B. walli ) Scientific Name Bungarus sindanus (Boulenger, 1897) Bungarus walli (Smith, 1943) Family Elapidae Elapidae Genus Bungarus Bungarus Species Group B. caeruleus complex Once considered a variant of B. sindanus 🧪 Genetic & Molecular Differences DNA studies using markers like ND4 and cytochrome b show that Wall’s Krait is genetically distinct from Sind Krait . In fact, it is often genetically closer to the Common Krait. 🐍 Morpho...

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