VenomousReptiles.org Survey

Survey Question	Current Survey Question Should hobbyists ever free handle venomous reptiles with their hands? Recent Surveys Most venomous/toxic Naja species in the world? I have read that the Philippine cobra is the most venomous (mice, 0.2 mg/kg SC with the lowest reported value being 0.14 mg/kg SC) (Brown, 1973). I have recently, come across something in the Indian Journal of Experimental Biology (Vol. 30, (issue 12), pages: 1158-1162, 1992) which stated that the LD50 for Naja oxiana was the most toxic/venomous (mice, 0.18 mg/kg SC and lowest reported value was 0.10 mg/kg). Along with that, the mortality rate for untreated Naja oxiana bites are the highest among all Naja species (70-80%). N.oxiana also produced the lowest known lethal dose (LCLo) of 0.005 mg/kg, the lowest among all cobra species ever recorded, derived from an individual case of poisoning by intracerebroventricular injection. Following N. oxiana and N. philippinensis are N. melanoleuca at 0.225 mg/kg SC and then N. samarensis at 0.23 mg/kg. The water cobras (N. annulata and N. christyi also have very toxic venoms, but no SC values are listed. Only intraperitoneal (IP) values of 0.143 mg/kg for N. annulata and 0.12 mg/kg for N. christyi. IP values tend to be generally lower (more toxic than subcutaneous values, so it would be unfair to compare their IP results to the subcutaneous (SC) results of other Naja species. Then I have heard that (without solid evidence) that Naja nivea is the most venomous, although their murine SC LD50 range anywhere from 0.4 mg/kg (Toxicon, Vol. 5, issue 1, page 47, 1967) to 0.72 mg/kg (Australian venoms and toxins Databse). So which is the most venomous? To me it seems obvious that it is the Caspian or Oxus cobra (Naja oxiana), followed by the Philippine cobra (Naja philippinensis). What do you think or know? I've noticed that the Australian venom and toxin Database seems to have higher LD50 values for all snakes across the board. For example, for the black mamba IP value of 0.01 mg/kg is listed (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/004101018890219X) and Ernst and Zug et al 1996, list a SC value of 0.05 mg/kg for the black mamba. While the Australian venom and toxin Database listed much less toxic LD50's. So there seems to be a lot of variation. 2014-01-23 What's Your Favorite Venomous Snake? 2013-11-13 Deadliest Bite? 2013-09-16 IF the science of self-immunization for a snake envenomation was proven/perfected what is the least benefit(percentage) you would accept before practicing it on yourself? 2013-06-06 how did you learn to keep venomous reptiles? 2013-03-02 View All Survey Questions Have a good idea for a VenomousReptiles.org Survey question? Enter your idea!
What spitting cobra is your favorite   Posted: Aug 20, 2010   (96 votes, 14 comments) by Hemachatus94   Rinkhals   M'fezi   Black-Necked Spitter   Zebra Spitter   Red Spitting Cobra   Ashe's Spitting Cobra   Other     (96 votes, 14 comments)
Survey Results
Rinkhals 23% (22) M'fezi 3% (3) Black-Necked Spitter 9% (9) Zebra Spitter 11% (11) Red Spitting Cobra 44% (42) Ashe's Spitting Cobra 2% (2) Other 7% (7)
Survey Comments
Naja samarensis and then Naja sputatrix. Posted by Mamba84 on December 19, 2013 I tend to be partial to the Asiatic spitters, like the Samar cobra (N. samarensis) - although this species rarely "spits" venom. Posted by RedGKS on February 22, 2012 Out of this list, N. pallida.. My favorite spitter (and favorite cobra) of all time is Naja mossambica, however. Posted by theemojohnm on February 8, 2011 Out of this list, N. pallida.. My favorite spitter (and favorite cobra) of all time is Naja mossambica, however. Posted by theemojohnm on February 8, 2011 Equatorial Spitting Cobras The bright yellow phase Equatorial Spitting Cobra (Naja sumatrana)is the most beautiful spitter, and also has the best personality. Standing a hooding all the time even after 10 years in captivity. They rarely spit when outside of their cage, and are a smaller species similar to samarensis, though slightly bigger. Posted by RC on November 17, 2010 I am not a fan of spitters and have never owned one. A friend has an albino pallida and it is a beauty. Posted by Scott7590 on October 9, 2010 All of them! I think that I could not pick. Owned several of the listed ssp. I cant pick a favorite they are all exceptional in many different aspects. Posted by varivenom on August 30, 2010 Pallida hands down, andamans Island cobras and true red throat nigricollis would follow in close order for me personally. Pallida in my experience are pretty to look at but unlike the asiatics you better have a shield between ya at all times. They are REAL good at what they do. IMO Posted by jared on August 24, 2010 Ah, completely forgot about that species! It's been too long since I was involved in them I suppose. Posted by Chance on August 24, 2010 N. samarensis Samar spitting cobras is the coolest in my oppinion. They are truely stunning in color and are a small size compared to most other cobras Posted by choppergreg74 on August 23, 2010 Zebra The zebra cobra is Naja nigricollis nigricinta. They are rarely seen in U.S. collections and are relatives of the black neck spitters. In my opinion they are one of the best looking African spitters. But Chance to clear things up a bit more I have heard both nigricinta and banded Rinkhals called Zebra spitters in the hobby. Posted by SerpenXotics on August 23, 2010 zebra It is a full species in naja as a rink is not.Closer to a black neck and is a egg layer the rink is a live bearing rough scaled elapid and not naja at all. Posted by pictigaster1 on August 23, 2010 Forgive my likely misunderstanding, but what is the difference between Rinkhals and the zebra spitter? I thought people just called the banded form of the Rinkhals a zebra spitter? Posted by Chance on August 23, 2010 I am a huge fan of Asain elapids. My favorite spitting cobra is N. siamensis. If I had to pick from African species I would have to say zebra. Posted by SerpenXotics on August 21, 2010 To post a comment, you must be logged in. If you are not a member, become one now!