venomous bites by non venomous snakes

[JAM3S]

This takes a while too load but is definatley worth a read ....

http://www.wemjournal.org/pdfserv/i0...01-02-0119.pdf

This bibliography lists 71 publications dealing with human envenomation by colubrid snakes during the years 1873–1988. This information appears in a wide variety of publications in medicine, herpetology, and toxicology. Fifty snake species, many conventionally considered nonvenomous, are included. Reports are divided into those showing evidence of systemic poisoning, usually associated with coagulopathy, and those showing only local signs and symptoms.

[PendleHog]

Anyone interested in the venoms on "non-venomous" colubrids should also read Dr Frys work on venom evolution.
Check out snake evolution and toxin molecular evolution under research on his site: Venomdoc Homepage

[JAM3S]

nice link pendlehog

This toxin, which we named alpha-colubritoxin, is as potent as comparative elapid neurotoxins. Like the elapid toxins, it blocks the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. What this does is stops the nerve signal from being able to cause the muscle fibre to twitch. No signal = no movement = couch potato.

No antivenom is produced against any of the 'colubrid' venoms except for the colubrine snake Dispholidus typus (boomslang) and the natricine snake Rhabdophis tigrinus (tiger keelback)

In a nutshell, while the various 'colubrids' are less likely to get you with a good solid envenomation, if they do then you are screwed.

[masticophis]

Interesting isn't it.

Not only do some colubrids have more potent venom than a lot of front fanged snakes, some also have much bigger venom glands.
If it wasn't for the poor delivery system (in most cases) then you'd be at risk from a lot of non DWA.

Mike

P.S. Not a good subject to get me or pendlehog on as we are both fascinated in colubrid venoms.

[PendleHog]

Originally Posted by masticophis

P.S. Not a good subject to get me or pendlehog on as we are both fascinated in colubrid venoms.

Geeks? Us? Noooooo

[JAM3S]

interesting stuff.

[tripper23]

thats well interestin to read bout