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I have been wanting a Madagascar Leafnose, but before I get one I want to know how toxic the venom is. Would it be comparible to a FWC, or A Prasina?

Thanks

>>I have been wanting a Madagascar Leafnose, but before I get one I want to know how toxic the venom is. Would it be comparible to a FWC, or A Prasina?

We haven't looked at it (yet) but I'd be suprised if there was much to it. No nasty bites have been confirmed (anecdotes of twig snakes are most likely to do with Thelatornis species).

In any case, as they are a cryptic species, they absolutely should not be handled. Cryptic species rely on their camoflauge to survive and when handled stress out very badly (e.g. chameleons) since from their view their defenses have been breached and they are recognised as potential prey. Best what to kill a Langaha is to handle it, stress related illness will knock if off in no time. If your not handling it, there's not much chance of a bite and any aspects of the venom (however trivial) becomes a non-sequitor

Cheers
Bryan
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Dr. Bryan Grieg Fry
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Australian Venom Research Unit,
University of Melbourne
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Population and Evolutionary Genetics Unit,
Museum Victoria
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http://www.venomdoc.com

Thanks a lot, I appreciate it. I wasn't planning on handling it much, just like the way it looks. When cage cleaning time comes I want to know that when I briefly move the snake somewhere while I clean the cage I won't be in danger if it bites me. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't getting a snake with venom like Boomslangs. Thanks again!