Reptile & Amphibian Forums

While Im still far away (if never) from actually getting a yellow mangrove snake, can someone explain the dangers of its venom?

I've read a few posts about them being harmless as babies, and having some venom as adults.

What exacly is the danger of a bite from an adult?

thanks for any info

>>While Im still far away (if never) from actually getting a yellow mangrove snake, can someone explain the dangers of its venom?
>>
>>I've read a few posts about them being harmless as babies, and having some venom as adults.
>>
>>What exacly is the danger of a bite from an adult?
>>
>>thanks for any info

The various Boiga species are all members of the Colubrinae family (this family also contains ratsnakes, boomslangs, indigo snakes etc.). They, like other colubrids, are venomous but typically lack well developed fangs (with some notable exceptions like the boomslang). The venom is rich in 3FTx neurotoxins, the same sort found in abundance in death adder venoms for example, and is just as toxic as such comparative elapid venoms. However, the delivery isn't terribly efficient although the venom yield can get reasonably large (20 - 30 milligrams).

Cheers
B
-----
Dr. Bryan Grieg Fry
Deputy Director
Australian Venom Research Unit
University of Melbourne

www.venomdoc.com