Though Aspidelaps r indeed on the low end as far as danger is concerned with elapids there are many things to be taken into consideration when thinking of getting one for a "Starter Elapid"
or otherwise.
#1) The number 1 and most obvious thing is the lack of AV. Both species of Aspidelaps (scutatus and lubricus)have shown to be lethal and do to the apparent variety in venom compisition throughout their range (some being primarily hemo while other are prodominitly neurotoxic)(pardon the generic definitions)one may have a hotter specimen then another (this variation is true, aleast from what I have gathered from extensive research on the genus. At a hobby lvl of cource
. (I welcome any argument to this claim though for many no more of Toxicology them
#2) The second consideration that comes to mind is handleing. I dont care what venom 101 says, these guys (Aspidelaps lubricus) do not hook well!! even with 2 hooks! They run like a nose! Hooking and tailing is not an option for they can and will come back up their bodies. basicly they act like a baby Naja for their hole lives!! Midwest gloves are ideal for Aspidelaps and should be a requirment. Though adult females may attian some what safe lengths for hook and tailing, males usualy stay very small and runny. Aspidelaps scutatus arent quite as runny and my experince but wont sit well either. If you do use a hook to transfer make sure to keep the holding bin very close and do so over a bed or somthing soft, just incase they take a dive.
#3)Useing Aspidelaps as a cobra trainer is not a smart idea. A.scutatus act nothing like cobras or any other elapid I have worked with, witch rules them out and even though you get a hood from lubricus, they are not at all the same. Only compareble to a neonate/juvi, maybe. In my experince, baby Naja are more brone to running were as Aspidelaps will usaly turn to confront you. Also, the speed between Aspidelaps and Naja is nowhere close to the same! Its like compareing a civic hybrid to a Mustang. Theres no comparison.
Basicly, Aspidelaps are good starters for Aspidelaps and thats it! They are a more safe then most other elapids but do not give you the skills to handle the big boys.
Just my 2 cents.
Adios,
Jeremy
P.S I currently have 1.1 A.lubricus, 1.1 A.scutatus and 1.1 A.l.infuscatus incase anyone is wondering my credentials to comment on this.
