Are red snakes poisonous?

There are many types of snakes that have been counted so far, and few people can clearly distinguish between the various types of snakes. People are afraid of snakes, mainly because some snakes are highly poisonous and can kill people in a short period of time. You can also tell whether a snake is poisonous by its color. Snakes with brighter colors are basically poisonous, it’s just a matter of the degree of toxicity. So, are red snakes poisonous? Let’s take a closer look below.

Most people distinguish them based solely on whether their head is triangular, their tail is short and thick, or their color is bright, which is not comprehensive enough. Although the head of venomous snakes is a distinct triangle, some venomous snakes do not have a triangular head; while among non-venomous snakes, the false pit viper has a triangular head. The tails of five-step snakes, belly snakes and cobras are indeed very thick, but the tail of the iron-headed snake is relatively slender; many brightly colored snakes, such as the jade-spotted rat snake and the fire chain snake, are not venomous snakes, and the color of the pit viper is like mud or dog shit, which is not very eye-catching, but it is very poisonous. Therefore, the distinction between venomous and non-venomous snakes is mainly based on the following points:

1. Venom glands: Venomous snakes have venom glands, while non-venomous snakes do not. Venom glands evolved from salivary glands. Located on both sides of the head, behind the eyes, hidden in the jaw muscles, and can secrete venom. When a venomous snake bites something, the muscles surrounding the venom gland contract, and the venom is injected into the body of the bitten object through the venom duct and the tube or groove of the fangs, causing poisoning. Non-venomous snakes do not have this function.

2. The venom duct is a pipe that transports venom, connecting between the venom gland and the fang. Only venomous snakes have venom ducts.

3. Venomous snakes have fangs, which are located in front of or behind the non-venomous teeth on the upper jaw and are longer and larger than the non-venomous teeth.

So, which non-venomous snakes are easily confused with venomous snakes?

There are several non-venomous snakes that are often mistaken for poisonous snakes. Because of their special appearance, bright colors, and ferocious temperament, they are often regarded as poisonous snakes by some local people and cause panic. In fact, these snakes are harmless to humans when they bite. Such as the tiger-striped colubrid snake (also known as the pheasant snake), the red-banded snake (also known as the fire red-banded snake), etc.

The non-venomous snake, the yellow-banded snake (also called the yellow-red banded snake), is easily confused with venomous snakes due to its appearance or color spots. It is often mistaken for the Bungarus bungeus because of the black and yellow horizontal stripes on its back; the black-backed white-banded snake is also easily mistaken for the Bungarus multicinctus because of the black and white horizontal stripes on its back; the neck-ribbed snake (also called the false pit viper) has a thick body and a short tail, a brown back with two rows of thick dark brown spots, and a slightly triangular head. It looks very much like a pit viper or viper; the green green snake (also called the green bamboo snake) is often confused with the bamboo green snake because it is green all over.

I think everyone should have a clear understanding of whether red snakes are poisonous. There are many types of snakes, and generally they are identified by color and head shape, which is more accurate. Because there are many species of snakes, when you encounter an unfamiliar snake, it is best to stay away from it. If you are not sure whether it is poisonous, it may endanger your life.