Hi mate

They are not only true venoms but the 'colubrid' venoms actually contain some of the exact same toxin types as found in elapid and viper venoms. For example, we purified the classic cobratoxin (the 'three finger toxin' type) from the radiated ratsnake. Same mode of action, comparable potency, etc. Cool

However, we stress that these snakes are venomous from a technical perspective but from a practical/legislative perspective the vast majority would be of no medical consequence what-so-ever (such as your patchnosed snake) and therefore should not be considered 'venomous' in the same way a cobra would. They can deliver enough venom to settle a prey item down (which is the entire point of venom of course) but not cause clinical symptoms in a human.

That said, many 'colubrid' venoms are just as potent as comparable elapid venoms. Boiga venom for example is just as potent as a death adders. It comes down to how much is delivered. The boomslangs/twig snakes are not the only dangerous ones out there. Some other groups of snakes should be considered as 'truly venomous', such as the Philodryas species as well as Psammophis, Rhamphiophis, and Malpolon or Rhabdophis. Boigas would fall into the 'warm' herping group. They are not likely to cause severe bites but can produce symptoms. Since these sorts of snakes don't have the advanced venom delivery architecture of a viper, they can mostly be worked with safely with just a long sleeve shirt and some gardening gloves.

All the best
Bryan
Colubrid neurotoxicity paper


-----
Dr. Bryan Grieg Fry
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Australian Venom Research Unit,
University of Melbourne
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Population and Evolutionary Genetics Unit,
Museum Victoria
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http://www.venomdoc.com

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