Thanks for the input! I think a relatively quick death is in order, will suggest the anaphylaxis route. Not sure about the recluse, we just don't get them in the UK and as far as I know the venom is slow (death by renal failure) and HIGHLY necrotic so the bite/injection site would be obvious.

I know that the techniques open to pathologists these days are considerable (although I take CSI with a nr. fatal pinch of salt!), but I beleive they would only investigate where the cause of death is suspicious. Anaphylaxis may not be suspicious and sounds ideal.

As for ID'ing a snake down to species level from venom in a cadavers system... not sure either. So much variation within species let alone between, and I doubt even the notorious Fry & Wuster double act have samples of everything on file for cross reference (no doubt they're working on it!).

Thanks again for all the ideas, I can now sound really intelligent and imaginative when I pas them off as my own lol.

Regards, Lee.

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