I would recommend reading Dr. Kenneth Kardong's research on Snake Toxins and Venoms: An Evolutionary Perspective in the March 1996 issue of Herpetologica. He discusses much about the Duvernoy's gland in colubrids, including H.nasicus, and concludes that while some colubrids possess the gland, there is conjecture as to whether the oral secretion from H.nasicus is actually venom. He suggests that H. nasicus possesses an oral secretion that is toxic, and part of the research findings stem from a discussion over the actual delivery of venom from snakes. Obviously when compared to the venom delivery system of viperidae, H. nasicus is entirely different and the discussion goes further to explain, the delivery system of the Duvernoy's gland is a very ineffecient system for killing prey. Kardong studied the toxic properties of H. nasicus, finding that the oral secretion largely consists of protolypase proteins, but suggests the final word on declaring that H. nasicus uses employs this toxin for simply immobilizing prey, is perhaps premature, and further believes the secretion might have several biological functions that are not fully understood such as quieting the prey item, aid in digestion, etc.

I have a friend who has bred H. nasicus for over 15 years, who believes what we see as a fang in H. nasicus, is actually a bony projection, and not an actual fang. I personally think he is full of it, but that is my opinion. Anyway, cool snakes.

Vedica

[ Show Entire Thread ]