Hi all,

I don't usually visit this forum, but have been intrigued by BGF's postings on colubrid venom as of late.

First, where can I find a copy of BGF's paper? I've been unable to find the link here on Kingsnake, although I've read numerous threads pertaining to it.

Without reading the paper (and maybe my questions are answered in it), can anyone give me more information as to the "status" of the following colubrid groups, in terms of venom? I know that all three groups are primarily non-constrictors, correct? So they should all have a type of venom possession and delivery? Is there any information available as to their potential to cause human irritation or injury?

Opheodrys
Drymobius
Thamnophis

I know that Thamnophis has been described as "mildly venomous". What exactly does this mean? Are garters unable to deliver the venom they possess, or is it simply a mild venom? I apologize, as I know next to nothing about the workings of venom in snakes. I've simply found this topic to be really fascinating for me recently.

On a semi-related note, are Opheodrys aestivus and O. vernalis the only members of the Opheodrys group? What features set them apart from some of the other similar Colubrid groups?

Thanks for any info, and sorry for my ignorance...
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0.1 black cat (Shade)
0.1 Brazilian Rainbow Boa (Zia)
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