Sounds like you have one of the Leioheterodon species rather than a Heterodon. The difference is quite significant, Leioheterodon and all other Madagascar 'colubrids' are in the Pseudoxyrhophiinae family while Heterodon is with Hydrodynastes, Philodryas and others in the Xenodontinae snake family. The Pseudoxyrhophiines are actually 'protoelapids' in that they sit at the base of the elapid tree and are much more closely related to a cobra than to a corn snake.

In any case, from the work we've done, both types contain in their venoms similar toxins to those found in elapids but neither have appreciable neurotoxicity (but may cause decent localised swelling). I'd rate both types of hognosed as rather trivial bites under normal circumstances.

If you're interested in a bit more info, download one of the papers from the link below.

Enjoy, they are cool snakes

Cheers
B
'colubrid' venom paper

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