How to spot the difference between a poisonous and a non-poisonous snake
The slithering reptiles, snakes, are among the scariest creatures in the animal kingdom, whose mere presence sends chills down the spine. Their silent movements, forked tongues, sharp fangs, and dangerous look make them an unwelcome creature in backyards, while hiking, and at campsites.
While there are over 3,000 species of snakes in the world, most of them are harmless. But to someone fearful about these legless reptiles, it often doesn't matter because all snakes look scary and creepy.
However, it's important to understand that not all snakes pose a threat. In fact, some are also the helpers of the environment, but it is also important to identify which snakes are venomous and which are not.
These helpful snakes can not only protect a chance encounter but also help by playing a role in controlling pests and keeping ecosystems balanced.
Here are some important and minute physical and behavioural details that can help to differentiate a venomous snake from a non-venomous one.
Head shape and pits offer clues
A common way to identify venomous snakes is by the shape of their heads. They usually have triangular heads due to the venom glands at the back. But this isn't always reliable. Some non-venomous snakes can flatten their heads to copy this appearance. Instead, it is advised to look for 'pits' near the nose, as venomous snakes often have these heat-sensing holes, especially pit vipers like Malabar Pit Viper and Hump-nosed Pit Viper
The shape of the eye's pupil
Another important trait that separates a non-venomous snake from a venomous one is the snake's eyes.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting
Luxeartisanship
Buy Now
Undo
According to a non-profit Land Trust in Trinidad and Tobago, asawright.org, venomous snakes have slit-like, cat-shaped pupils, while non-venomous snakes usually have round pupils. This method works, but only if one can get close enough, which can be dangerous, and it is never advised to risk the safety of a snake's eyes.
However, this can also be checked using a zoom lens.
Colour patterns can be misleading
Colour and pattern can be a helpful trait, but they're not always foolproof.
Many venomous snakes are brightly colored or patterned, while harmless ones are usually solid in colour. However, some non-venomous snakes copy the look of venomous ones to scare off predators. So while colour can be a hint, it should never be the only method for identifying a snake's danger level.
Snakes' tails and sounds
Snake tails can also be an important distinguishing factor, young Kukri snakes and cottonmouths often have bright coloured tails.
Russell's viper, Saw-scaled viper and the Indian Cobra can be easily identified by their famous rattle. Even though some harmless snakes can copy this sound, it's safer to assume it's a real threat and slowly back away.
Harmless snakes play a helpful role
Not all snakes are dangerous. In fact, non-venomous snakes are nature's pest control experts. They feed on rats, mice, and other small pests that can damage crops or spread disease. According to a snake proof equipment manufacturer, snakesox.com, some of these snakes even eat venomous ones, which reduces the chances of harmful encounters. So while they may still look scary, these harmless reptiles are essential for a healthy and balanced ecosystem
Photo Credits: Canva
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
Singapore launches first seagrass restoration project to protect coastal ecosystems
Singapore begins inaugural seagrass restoration initiative On May 29, a team of researchers and assistants began seagrass transplantation efforts at East Coast Park as part of Singapore's first seagrass restoration project. The group collected and potted seagrass for relocation to the Sisters' Islands, marking the start of a national initiative focused on understanding seagrass reproduction and developing sustainable transplantation practices. The restoration project is co-led by Dr Samantha Lai, deputy director at the National Parks Board's (NParks) National Biodiversity Centre, and Dr Ow Yan Xiang, senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore's Tropical Marine Science Institute (TMSI). Launched in September 2024 with nearly S$1 million in funding from OCBC Bank, the project aims to recover seagrass meadows and enhance marine biodiversity . by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Join new Free to Play WWII MMO War Thunder War Thunder Play Now Undo Also read: World Sparrow Day 2025: Sparrows are important for the ecology and there need to protect them from extinct Seagrass meadows offer critical ecosystem services, providing food and shelter for marine life, acting as nurseries for fish larvae, stabilizing sediment, and serving as carbon sinks. The project addresses the rapid annual loss of seagrass beds in Southeast Asia, estimated at 5 per cent. Live Events Focus on seagrass reproduction and transplantation techniques Dr Ow's research, based at the St John's Island National Marine Laboratory (SJINML), centers on the sexual reproduction cycles of tropical seagrass. Unlike their temperate counterparts, tropical species do not have well-documented flowering patterns. Singapore hosts 12 known seagrass species, but only two sickle seagrass ( Thalassia hemprichii ) and tape seagrass ( Enhalus acoroides ) and have well-characterized reproductive cycles. 'These two species tend to have longer lifespans and thus bigger biomasses, so their fruits and flowers are more visible,' said Dr Ow to The Straits Times. 'But for the 10 other species we have in Singapore, we really have no idea when they flower.' Dr Lai's team is focused on refining transplantation methods to ensure seagrass survival. They pair donor and recipient sites with similar water, sediment quality, and hydrodynamic conditions to minimize shock during transplantation. The goal is to increase survival rates of transplanted seagrass, which have historically been low due to human activity or marine life such as crabs. Monitoring and challenges of seagrass transplantation The research team monitors newly transplanted meadows using leaf length measurements and pulse-amplitude modulated fluorometers, which assess the plants' photosynthetic activity. The team works during low tide periods, typically lasting about two hours, and often faces weather-related challenges such as thunderstorms. Also read: Startups show off ocean-preserving tech at Paris trade fair Dr Lai noted that in one transplant site, nearly all leaves had disappeared within two weeks, but added that the rhizomes appeared healthy. 'The seagrass may grow back,' she said to The Straits Times. Beyond ecosystem support, seagrass meadows reduce coastal erosion through their underground root systems and rhizomes, while also capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide. 'Seagrasses punch above their weight,' said Dr Ow. 'They occupy such a small area of our ocean space, just 0.1 per cent, but they provide so many ecosystem functions.' Public engagement and future coastal development plans Singapore's seagrass restoration efforts coincide with upcoming coastal development initiatives, including land reclamation. Dr Lai highlighted that the restoration project is taking place at a site reclaimed in the 1960s and 1970s, where seagrass has since regrown. 'This gives us hope that when we do the future Long Island reclamation, we can recreate these habitats to get the species to come back,' she said. Volunteers will play a key role in expanding restoration efforts. NParks' Team Seagrass citizen science program, established in 2007, monitors seagrass meadows in Chek Jawa, Pulau Semakau, and Cyrene Reef. These volunteer-led efforts will support transplant activities at future sites. Also read: Largest Harappan metropolis struggling for preservation Public participation has been strong. 'Growing up in an urbanised society, most of us really have no opportunity to go out and look at what's happening at our coastlines,' said Dr Ow. 'But I think it is very encouraging, having the public show more awareness not just of the seagrass, but also the natural coastal ecosystems that we have, that really helps to let policymakers know that this is what people care about.'
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Sedentary lifestyle impacts reproductive health of men and women: Study
Medical research has highlighted how prolonged sitting can be linked to reproductive issues. A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to infertility in both men and women. Reproduction is a vital biological process essential for the survival of species. A study on this aimed to explore the relationship between physical inactivity, sedentary behaviour, and body composition with idiopathic infertility in men and women. It focused on a French case-control study examining the nutritional determinants of idiopathic fertility to determine if these factors are related to the condition. However, over the past few decades, concerning trends have emerged in developed countries worldwide, suggesting a decline in reproductive health outcomes. Is your sedentary lifestyle harming your fertility? Here's what the study says According to a study published in PlosOne , research has shown mixed results regarding the impact of physical activity on fertility, suggesting that moderate physical activity is positively associated with semen quality in men and increased fecundity in women. Sedentary behaviour and physical inactivity are significant health concerns that can independently affect various health factors, diseases, and mortality. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo These two behaviours can coexist or occur separately, and physical activity may moderate but not entirely offset the negative effects of sedentary behavior. Sedentary behaviour refers to spending time sitting or lying down, while physical activity means not getting enough exercise (at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week). Unexplained infertility affects 30-40% of infertile couples and can be difficult for those trying to conceive. Standard investigations include tests for ovulation, tubal patency, and semen analysis, but no clear cause is identified. Lifestyle and health factors in fertile and infertile couples The study involved 302 French participants, including 159 infertile and 142 fertile couples. Infertile participants had unexplained infertility forever a year, while fertile participants had a recent natural pregnancy and delivery. Participants filled out questionnaires covering demographics, lifestyle habits, diet, physical activity, and sedentary behavior. Their blood samples, blood pressure, and body measurements were also taken to assess metabolic health. Insights from the study Infertile participants were younger but had lower education levels and higher body measurements as compared to fertile patients. Infertile men were more likely to have metabolic syndrome. Physical activity levels didn't differ significantly between fertile and infertile groups, although infertile men engaged in less vigorous activity. Sedentary behavior was inversely associated with physical activity only in infertile men. Both groups followed similar nutritional guidelines, but many participants didn't meet recommended physical activity levels. Also read | A simple blood test could indicate how long will you live One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
NASA astronauts prepare ‘space sushi' aboard the ISS in zero gravity during a heartwarming crew celebration
Source: X In the vastness of space, the comfort in food always remains close to the heart. ISS astronauts aboard shared the lighthearted moment during the crew celebration by crafting ' sushi in space '. With minimal space supplies but still the astronauts managed to recreate using rice, spam, fish and a dash of gochujang and wasabi, they almost created familiar flavours that they missed from Earth. Recently, NASA astronaut Jonny Kim shared the experience through social media, highlighting how small things like sharing meals together can foster connection and boost morale in the microgravity. Despite the challenges in space, the power of food to bring joy and happiness is constant even hundreds of miles away. Apart from the nutritional purpose, the food in space also carries psychological importance. The familiar tastes can anchor astronauts emotionally, providing comfort and a sense of normalcy. These meals remind astronauts of home and humanise the otherwise high-tech, mechanical environment of the space station. NASA astronaut reveals how a sushi craving turned into a special space celebration Long-duration missions aboard the ISS can last several months, during which astronauts are far from home, family, and the familiar comforts of Earth. While the focus of their mission is scientific research and maintaining the station, moments of celebration and bonding are crucial for mental well-being. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo NASA astronaut Jonny Kim shared the crew celebration story with space sushi through X (formerly Twitter) to share a rare behind-the-scenes moment from such a celebration, where a longing for sushi led to a creative and communal meal. 'Space sushi isn't quite the same as the fresh stuff on the ground, but it's not bad!' Kim joked. He explained that one crewmate had mentioned missing sushi—and he agreed. What followed was a heartening example of the crew rallying together to recreate the flavours they missed. Source: X Astronauts get creative with limited ingredients to make space sushi Naturally, space doesn't offer the luxury of a kitchen, stove, or even fresh ingredients. Astronauts rely on shelf-stable, freeze-dried, and vacuum-sealed foods provided by NASA and other space agencies. To make 'space sushi,' the crew pooled their personal supplies. The key ingredients include rice, spam, and packaged fish, all of which are commonly found in the station's food inventory. For flavour, they added a touch of gochujang (a Korean fermented chili paste) and wasabi, creating a spicy, savory mix that mimicked the sushi they craved back on Earth. As Kim described: 'So we collected and pitched in our personal supplies of fish, spam, and rice, coupled with a dash of gochujang and wasabi, which made for a great meal.' While it wasn't traditional sashimi or California rolls, this improvisation satisfied more than just hunger; it satisfied an emotional need for familiarity and shared joy. NASA astronauts recreate sushi using limited space supplies Dining aboard the ISS comes with a unique set of problems. In microgravity, everything floats from grains of rice to the spoon you're trying to eat with and eating in careful handling, special packaging, and clever hacks. To keep their sushi ingredients and utensils from floating away mid-meal, the astronauts taped their dining surface sticky-side up. This allowed them to stick food packets, small containers, and chopsticks in place while they assembled and ate their practical hack is a common practice aboard the ISS, where everything from tools to food needs to be secured at all times. 'Space sushi' moment from the ISS to Earth win hearts online The sushi moment was more than just a snack; it was a celebration of human ingenuity, community, and resilience in space. In such a high-pressure, isolated setting, food plays a vital role in morale. Shared meals offer a chance for crew members from different cultures to connect, laugh, and enjoy something comforting. Social media lit up in response to Kim's post, with many expressing admiration for the astronauts' resourcefulness. Comments ranged from admiration to light-hearted curiosity. One user wrote: 'Your space sushi party sounds like a blast, and that sticky-tape table hack is genius for keeping it all together in zero gravity.' Another added: 'Love sushi too! You guys are the real stars of humanity.' Others wondered what sushi tastes like in microgravity and asked whether food feels different to eat when floating, sparking a fresh wave of interest in daily life on the ISS. Also Read | ESA reveals the first stunning images of an artificial solar eclipse created by Proba-3 satellites
