Latest news with #venomous
Forbes
3 days ago
- Science
- Forbes
The Internet Is Wrong About The World's ‘Fastest' Snake — A Biologist Explains
Ask Google what the fastest snake in the world is and you'll likely get an answer that looks something like this: The sidewinder rattlesnake is generally considered the fastest snake in the world, reaching speeds of up to 18 mph. The black mamba and the eastern brown snake are also very fast, reaching speeds of 12 mph. This is incorrect, for a reason I'll explain in a minute. Ask ChatGPT the same thing and you'll get a better answer, but still not the correct one: The fastest snake in the world is the black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis). Key Facts: While many snakes are excellent at striking quickly, the black mamba holds the record for sustained land speed. Neither of these answers are correct. But, if I were to put my money on the black mamba or the sidewinder in a hypothetical snake race, I'd wager on the black mamba. Simply put, the kinematics of sidewinding motion are not optimized for speed, as explained in a recent paper published in the Journal of Experimental Biology. Biomechanical research clocks the sidewinder topping out at around 2.2 mph on the ground. Thus, the average person at a normal walking pace would have no issue steering clear of this venomous species. The black mamba is considerably faster, but still would be no match for the world's fastest snake – or, fastest group of snakes, I should say – which rely on a completely different method of locomotion: gliding. There are five species of gliding snakes in the world, all belonging to the genus Chrysopelea. Here's an overview of each. The paradise flying snake (Chrysopelea paradisi) is a master of aerial locomotion. Native to Southeast Asia, this snake can launch itself from treetops and flatten its body into a wing-like shape, allowing it to 'fly' through the air for distances of up to 100 feet or more. While its ground speed isn't particularly impressive, what makes this snake remarkable is its ability to move faster through the air than any snake can on the ground. Its gliding motion can reach speeds up to 25 mph depending on launch height and body size, according to research published in the Journal of Experimental Biology. In addition to flattening its body, the snake enhances its gliding performance by performing lateral undulations in midair, a behavior often described as 'swimming through the air.' The golden flying snake (Chrysopelea ornata) is another skilled glider, though slightly less proficient than its close relative, the paradise flying snake. Found across much of southern Asia, the golden flying snake shares similar flying mechanics: it flattens its ribs and forms a concave shape to create lift. It's often seen leaping from the treetops in search of prey or to escape predators. Studies show it's capable of adjusting its trajectory mid-flight, allowing for agile, controlled movement that rivals the ability of other gliding animals such as gliding squirrels and lizards. In one of the first experimental studies on Chrysopelea gliding, researchers observed a golden flying snake launch from a 135-foot (41-meter) tower, execute a 180-degree turn, and land back on the same structure. The banded flying snake (Chrysopelea pelias) is another forest-dwelling species found across Southeast Asia, from southern Thailand to Java and eastward to Borneo. Like its relatives, it displays remarkable aerial agility, though its gliding performance remains relatively understudied. It typically measures under 3 feet (1 meter) in length. As with all Chrysopelea species, it is a mildly venomous colubrid, using rear fangs to deliver venom that poses little threat to humans – unlike front-fanged species such as the aforementioned black mamba or sidewinder rattlesnake, whose venom is far more potent. Endemic to Sulawesi and the Molucca Islands of Indonesia, the Moluccan flying snake (Chrysopelea rhodopleuron) is one of the lesser-studied members of its genus. However, its anatomy suggests it shares the same gliding adaptations, and anecdotal field reports indicate it is also an adept aerial traveler. Like its relatives, it is likely an active, arboreal, daytime hunter of lizards and other small vertebrates – capable of gliding through the air in pursuit of prey or to evade predators at speeds that would be impossible to achieve on the ground. Evolutionarily, it is one of the oldest members of the genus, with genetic estimates suggesting it diverged from its relatives around 20 million years ago. The Sri Lankan flying snake (Chrysopelea taprobanica) is found only in Sri Lanka and southern India, where it overlaps with its more widespread relative, the golden flying snake. Described in 1943, it is the most recently recognized member of the genus, and little is known about it beyond its distribution. To date, its gliding abilities remain unstudied. Are you an animal lover who owns a pet, perhaps even a pet snake (the non-flying kind)? Take the science-backed Pet Personality Test to know how well you know your little friend.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Are snakes more active after rain? Why Central Texas may have more sightings this weekend
It's not just the rain. While it may seem like snakes suddenly appear during and after wet weather, the connection isn't as ssssimple as 'rain equals more snakes.' In Central Texas, more sightings are possible this weekend following several rounds of severe storms, but rain itself isn't the main reason for that. May is already an active month for cold-blooded creatures, as many reptiles emerge from winter brumation — a hibernation-like state — to begin mating. But the recent rain could have some influence this weekend. Remember, you're more likely to get bitten while attempting to kill a snake than if you simply leave it alone. In fact, you're five times as likely to die from a lightning strike as from a venomous snake bite — lightning strikes result in an average of 28 deaths annually, while venomous snake bites cause about five deaths, despite there being 7,000 to 8,000 bites each year. What to do for a venomous snake bite: Texas is home to 4 venomous snake species It's a common belief that snakes come out more after rain, but there's no clear-cut pattern — different species have varied habitats and prefer different conditions. The Raleigh News & Observer explored this topic after a significant spring downpour a few years ago, focusing on copperheads and their post-rain behavior. They are one of four venomous species in Texas. Jeff Beane, herpetology collection manager at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh, told the Observer in 2022 that copperheads adjust their activity based on the weather. In hot conditions, they tend to be nocturnal, active at night; in cooler weather, they shift to being diurnal, active during the day. So if copperhead sightings spike, it may simply be because they're active when people are more likely to notice them. Beane also noted that copperheads often emerge when temperatures rise following a stretch of cooler weather. 'A warm, sunny day after a long period of unseasonably cool, rainy weather might bring them out during the day because it could be their first chance to bask in the sun in a while,' Beane said. 'A relatively cool, sunny, or partly cloudy day is a good time to see a copperhead basking in an area exposed — or partially exposed — to the sun.' For other snake species, the answer is similarly nuanced. Sightings may increase after rain, not because the weather directly draws them out, but because flooding forces them to leave their dens or shelters in search of higher, drier ground. Sometimes, this means ending up near — or even inside — homes. At the same time, food sources like toads, frogs and other amphibians become more active in wet conditions, giving snakes more reason to move around. The days immediately following a storm can also bring a spike in sightings because snakes are eager to bask in the sun after cooler, damp weather. Some may also be mid-shed — and lingering moisture on damp grass and leaves helps to soften old skin and make it easier to slough off — while the humid environment helps reptiles stay hydrated. This reflects a broader trend in which reptiles exhibit increased activity during wet years compared to dry years. According to the San Diego Zoo, during dry weather and drought, reptiles 'often become inactive, staying deep underground where it is cool and moist.' This behavior not only helps snakes regulate their body temperature and maintain hydration, but it also coincides with many small mammals and other prey staying hidden underground during droughts, often causing their populations to decline. As a result, snakes remain underground to conserve both energy and water until conditions improve, since food is not guaranteed. 'In years of heavier rains, snakes are often more active than in dry years, staying closer to the surface where they can easily find food and mates while maintaining their water balance,' the San Diego Zoo notes. So, it's likely that snake sightings will increase over the next few days, especially in areas recently hit by heavy rain. But regardless of the storms, sightings tend to rise naturally at this time of year. Although there are more than 100 snake species and subspecies in Texas, there are only four groups of venomous snakes. If you can safely identify them, you have a better chance of avoiding bites. Copperheads have light-colored bodies with reddish-brown circular bands. They tend to live in rocky areas and wooded bottomlands that have ample moisture. They grow to be about 2 feet long, and their bites don't normally kill humans because of their short fangs and minimal venom. There are three subspecies of copperheads in Texas, and their patterns vary. Coral snakes have red, yellow and black rings around their bodies. They grow to about 2½ feet and live in woodlands and canyons. Their bites deliver one of the most lethal types of venom in North America. However, their behavior is typically more elusive, and unlike pit vipers, they will often retreat from any signs of danger rather than confront any potential threats. Cottonmouths, also known as water moccasins because they tend to live in swamps, lakes and rivers, are usually dark brown, olive green or black, with wide, dark bands along their bodies. They grow to about 3½ feet long. If threatened, cottonmouths will display white tissue inside their mouths, from which they get their name. Rattlesnakes come in various forms. The most common throughout the state is the western diamondback rattlesnake, which has a brown body with dark brown, diamond-shaped markings down the middle of its back and black and white alternating rings near its rattles. They grow to about 4 feet in length, but they can reach 7 feet. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Are Texas snakes more active after storms? More sightings are possible
BBC News
10-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Lancashire woman finds rare venomous centipede in flat
A young woman has spoken of her shock after finding a venomous centipede in her Armour said she spotted the "strange creature" on her kitchen wall after she returned from a late shift at 19-year-old later found the many-legged minibeast was a rare Scutigera coleoptrata, which uses venom to kill its prey but is not harmful to humans."I had never seen anything like it before. After asking my co-workers, we figured out it was a house centipede," she said. Steve Gregory, who runs the British Myriapod and Isopod Group's recording scheme, said the Scutigera coleoptrata was commonly known as the house said the species originates from the Mediterranean and, at present, can only survive our cold winters inside Gregory said sightings of the insect, which uses its venom to subdue and feed on flies and spiders, are becoming more common in Britain. He added that people who end up unintentionally hosing one do not not need to worry as they are not dangerous to humans."Although once very rare, it is expanding its range, possibly due to climate change," he said."There were only three known sightings up to 1990, about 30 sighting between 1990 and 2020, and in 2024 there were over triple this number. "These are mostly from southern England, but in recent years it has been seen as far north as Lancashire and Yorkshire."Ms Armour, who moved to Lytham St Annes from Scotland two years ago, said she enlisted a brave colleague to help her catch the creature and released it."From what I've learned, house centipedes are harmless and actually beneficial because they prey on other household pests," she said. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
How to spot venomous snakes in Missouri: Safety tips for summer
MISSOURI – With spring is full swing and summer not too far away, those that frequent the outdoors are bound to see more snakes slithering in the Show-Me State. Snakes come out to play during the spring rains, more daylight and warmer temperatures. For those of us who plan to hike, bike, camp, or just explore outside, especially in tall grass or wooded areas, be prepared to encounter different species of serpents that call our region home. It's important to learn how to identify Missouri's venomous versus non-venomous snakes. The best advice from outdoor experts and conservationists, no matter the species, is to leave them alone to protect your health and theirs. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), Missouri is home to nearly 50 species and subspecies of snakes. Only six of them are venomous. In the video above, Ozarks First's Bailey Strohl breaks down the three main venomous species we see in the Ozarks, as well as how to determine if it's non-venomous or venomous, and what to do if you encounter one. The following information comes from the Missouri Department of Conservation and the MU Extension. Eastern Copperhead This is Missouri's most common venomous snake, according to MDC. Their colors vary from gray-brown to pink-tan and have hour-glass shaped bands of darker colors. The belly will typically be a mix of dusty gray, tan, and black. Copperheads will vibrate their tales when alarmed. Their venom, though, is considered mild when compared to others. Still, if you are bitten, seek medical treatment. Northern Cottonmouth The northern cottonmouth is also known to locals as the water moccasin. MDC says it gets its name from the white-colored lining of its mouth. It opens its mouth wide when alarmed, and can deliver a fatal bite. Cottonmouths change from looking similar to a copperhead when young, to a more dark brown or black color as they age. It is a semi-aquatic snake and can often be seen in or around water. Timber Rattlesnake According to MDC, the Timer Rattlesnake is Missouri's largest venomous snake, ranging from 36 to 60 inches long. It will bite if harassed, dealing a dangerous bite. Anyone bit should seek medical attention immediately. Their bodies are typically tan in color with a mix of dark and rust-colored marking from the head and down its back. The tail has a large rattle at the end. Non-venomous vs. Venomous Eyes – The pupils of a venomous snake's eyes are vertical slits. The pupils of nonvenomous snakes' eyes are round. If you need to get a closer look at they eye, still make sure to stay a safe distance away. According to the MU Extension, snakes cannot strike farther than 1/3 of the length of their body. Pit – This is where pit viper's get their name. Venomous snakes have this sensory area on each side of their head. The pit looks similar to a nostril and is located in between the eye and the nostril. Scales – When you turn a snake on their belly, you will see one of two different tail patterns that can determine if the snake is venomous or non-venomous. The underside of venomous snakes will have a single row of scales. Non-venomous snakes, on the other hand, will have two scale rows. Watch where you step Snakes thrive in areas that are well-covered and where food is good supply. When out hiking or exploring, be sure to keep an eye on the ground and be watching for something slithering. According to MDC, snakes prefer out-of-the-way places where they can hide and stalk prey. Around your home, you can often find snakes living or lingering near: Firewood stacked directly on the ground Gardens and flower beds with heavy mulch Untrimmed shrubs and shrubs growing next to a foundation; Unmowed and unkempt lawns Pond and stream banks with debris and trash Cluttered basements and attics with a rodent, bird or bat problem MDC recommends in the event of a snakebite, seek medical attention immediately. If you cannot positively identify the offending species as non-venomous, call 911. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR -
