Boiga,

There is a very big difference between Xenocopis (which IS harmless) and Rhadophis. The Rednecked Keelback has been shown to have a rather potent venom.

You might want to ask BGF about that one.

As for the locals...King Cobras (an obviously venomous snake) are often identified by the locals as follows.

Male Cobra = Cobra

Female Cobra = Pytas ratsnakes

Coming from a country where Hognose snakes are called "Spreading Adders" and Milksnakes are "positively IDed as "Copperheads" I suggest:

Never trust the opinion of uneducated locals.

Frank
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"The luxury of not getting involved departed with the last lifeboat Skipper..."

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