Which of these snakes doesn't possess a true venom gland?

Ahaetulla is a genus of colubrid snakes commonly referred to as vine snakes, or whip snakes. They are considered by some scientists to be mildly venomous and are what is commonly termed as 'rear-fanged' or more appropriately, opisthoglyphous, meaning their enlarged teeth or fangs, intended to aid in venom delivery, are located in the back of the upper jaw, instead of in the front as they are in vipers or cobras. As colubrids, Ahaetulla do not possess a true venom gland or a sophisticated venom delivery system. The Duvernoy's gland of this genus, homologous to the venom gland of true venomous snakes, produces a secretion which, though not well studied, is considered not to be medically significant to humans.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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15 Comments

Albeck1994

Darlene Davidson, but python wasn't an option, neither was Boa or anaconda

Richard G Schwartz

That snake looked like a long green bean.

flanderschristy

I cringe every time they have a question about snakes! They always show a picture & I'm so afraid of snakes that I scroll past the picture trying not to touch it. The truth is that I have a phobia of snakes. As a young child, I had several scary encounters with snakes & therefore developed a phobia. EWWW

John W Shreve

Jacqueline Tattam, Same with kingsnakes, my favorite.

John W Shreve

Darlene Davidson, Thank you for the information. Kingsnakes are also not venomous. Now you give me one.

despatz

Carol strikes again

Chris Hall

always heard coral snakes had to chew on you a bit but never looked in their mouths. would seem that if they have poison they would have to have some specialized cells/gland to produce it.

Grant McIntosh

Darlene Davidson, nor are budgies.

Jacqueline Tattam

Kathryn Cavanagh, you’re wrong. That is not the only real answer. The question asks “which of THESE snakes doesn’t possess a TRUE venom gland”. The answer is correct. The vine snake, as a colubrid, does NOT possess a true venom gland. Boss and pythons weren’t options, nor did they need to be.

Albeck1994

dowill, But doesn't have a venom gland and python wasn't an option

Julie Allen

All vine snakes are venomous with grooved fangs below the eye; however, most species are relatively harmless to humans, and only Thelotornis has caused human fatalities.