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Myths about the Fer de Lance?

jakethesnake Jun 22, 2004 12:20 PM

The other day some one was telling me a story about the Fer de Lance, it was that the Fer de Lances bite has been known to brake bones, like leg bones. I thought he was full of it. Is there any truth behind this story?

Replies (4)

jasonmc Jun 23, 2004 05:43 AM

I'm no Fer de Lance expert, but thinking about it. Dont they only get about six feet? And also they don't constrict which would break bones.

Maybe they ment Per The Lancer, by mitsubishi. when those hit you they have the power to break every bone in your body.

As I indicated above, I'm no expert on this species of snake, but I would be willing to guess its one of those myths.

Good Luck:
Jason Mc

psilocybe Jun 23, 2004 02:57 PM

The venom of the Fer-de-lance (Bothrops asper) is highly destructive, and very deadly, but it is unable to break bones (no snake venom will break anyones bones). Even large constrictors rarely cause bone breakage in their victims, as it is not so much a crushing force as a suffocating one.

rearfang Jun 26, 2004 08:16 AM

Beware of the rare Fer-de-Lance sbsps B.a. Jackhammerousia!!!

(lol)

Thant ranks with the notorious "Rubber snake" Prophylactis onthebeaches; discovered by one Joel Kilmer back in the 70's (and only known from it's shed....)

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

deHaas Jun 28, 2004 11:33 AM

As far as I know the bite of a Cascabel (Crotalus durissus ssp.) is said to cause bonebraking effects. Off course they don't really brake any bones but the prominent cramps and spasm's caused by a bite of this species makes it look like so.

It is then thought that the unlucky victim has been killed by a broken neck...hence the stories!

Cheers,

Erik

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