A huge amount of my time is spent examing the molecular evolution of the venom in the various families of snakes that are considered 'colubrids'. These snakes were formerly dumped into one vast family called the Colubridae. However this family is not a natural group and actually seven or more families that are in some cases far far more closely related to elapids than they are to other 'colubrids'.

The venoms of these snakes are in some cases just as complex as elapids and vipers. The venoms are exactly that, true venoms. They are not 'toxic saliva'. The gland producing the venoms was formerly referred to as the 'Duvernoy's gland'. However, this is an artificial term that is evolutionarily misleading, it is in fact the same venom gland as the one found in cobras and rattlesnakes. This is because venom evolved once, at the very base of the Colubroidea (Advanced snakes) evolutionarily tree, long before any of the 'colubrids' evolved. Thus, these snakes have the same gland and produce some of the same toxins. We even pulled out the classic cobratoxin (a 3FTx (three-finger toxin)) from a bloody ratsnake!! The toxin was homologous to and just as potent as a comparative cobra toxin. Same toxins = same gland.

The most aggressive snake we've had so far have been the Ptyas carinatus (Keeled ratsnakes). These massive snakes can get 4 meters long, look just like a king cobra and can hit your face from the ground. Like just about every other 'colubrid' they have a venom gland and their venom is rich in neurotoxic 3FTx. However, bites are without effects in humans. However, they have incredibly strong jaws that can leave an impressive amount of scar tissue. Very cool snakes.

Si tout les colubridés considéré comme non-venimeux était dangereux à ce point, y en aurait une maudite bonne gang de mort dont moi le premier.