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Which Snake Venom is Most Toxic?

G. Wiesen
G. Wiesen

Establishing which specific snake venom is the most toxic is a somewhat complicated process that typically does not have a single clear outcome without defining certain variables first. For example, “most toxic” can refer to which snake venom is the deadliest given a certain quantity, or it could temper that initial idea by also considering how much venom is injected by a snake per bite. The toxicity of the bite can also depend on how the bite is delivered, whether the teeth only punctured the skin or if the venom managed to be injected into a vein or directly into deep muscle tissue. For many people, the deadliest snake in the world is considered to be the inland taipan of Australia, but this is certainly open to debate and interpretation.

Snake venom toxicity is typically measured in terms of median lethal dosage (LD-50) or the amount necessary to be lethal for half of a test group. This type of testing is typically performed on lab mice, and though it tends to be accurate, snake venom can potentially behave somewhat differently in a mouse compared to a human being. LD-50 measurements are commonly measured in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg), indicating the amount of venom required to be lethal.

A shed snakeskin.
A shed snakeskin.

Using this type of measurement helps make it easier to compare toxicity levels in snakes; however, the results can still depend on how the venom is delivered. Some researchers believe that subcutaneous injections, introducing the snake venom below the skin but not necessarily into a vein, is the most accurate as it represents the majority of snake bites. In this type of experiment the most toxic snake is the inland taipan of Australia, sometimes called the “fierce snake,” with an LD-50 of only 0.025 mg/kg. This is compared to the western diamondback rattlesnake found in North America, which has venom with an LD-50 measurement of 18.5 mg/kg, making the venom of the inland taipan about 740 times more toxic than the venom of the rattlesnake.

A cobra, a type of venomous snake.
A cobra, a type of venomous snake.

When considering a snake bite that injects the poison directly into a vein, an intravenous injection, these numbers are different. The western diamondback rattlesnake venom has an LD-50 of 2.72 mg/kg for intravenous bites, significantly more deadly than for subcutaneous measurements. In intravenous testing, the eastern brown snake of Australia has the most toxic venom with an LD-50 of 0.01 mg/kg. These sorts of differences in measuring techniques make it difficult to establish just what snake venom is the most toxic.

Bites from venomous snakes require anti-venom medicines administered only by medical professionals.
Bites from venomous snakes require anti-venom medicines administered only by medical professionals.

Further complicating the issue is how much venom is injected with a single bite by a snake. For example, the coastal taipan of Australia has venom that is less toxic than that of the eastern brown snake of Australia. The coastal taipan, however, can inject 20-30 times more venom in a single bite, making the results of a bite from the coastal taipan potentially more fatal. Ultimately, however, these measurements are fairly academic in nature as any of these snakes can easily kill a person in a single bite and in a short period of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most toxic snake venom in the world?

Testing venom potency in lab mice can give researchers an idea of how harmful the poisons are to humans.
Testing venom potency in lab mice can give researchers an idea of how harmful the poisons are to humans.

The title of most toxic snake venom belongs to the Inland Taipan, native to Australia. Its venom is highly potent, with an LD50 of just 0.025 mg/kg in mice, meaning a very small amount can be lethal. A single bite can carry enough venom to kill over 100 adult humans, according to research.

How does snake venom toxicity get measured?

Snake venom toxicity is commonly measured by the LD50 test, which stands for "lethal dose, 50%". It indicates the amount of venom required to kill half of a test population (usually mice) within a certain timeframe. The lower the LD50 value, the more toxic the venom is considered to be.

Can the most venomous snakes also be the most dangerous to humans?

Not necessarily. The danger of a snake to humans depends on various factors including venom toxicity, the amount of venom injected, the snake's behavior, and the frequency of human-snake interactions. For example, the Inland Taipan is extremely venomous but rarely encounters humans, while less venomous species like the Russell's viper cause more bites due to their proximity to populated areas.

What are the effects of the Inland Taipan's venom on humans?

The venom of the Inland Taipan is a complex cocktail that affects the blood and nervous system. It contains neurotoxins, hemotoxins, myotoxins, and coagulants, leading to symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, collapse, and convulsions. Without prompt medical treatment, its bite can be fatal due to paralysis or internal bleeding.

Are antivenoms available for the most toxic snake venoms?

Yes, antivenoms have been developed for many of the world's most toxic snake venoms, including that of the Inland Taipan. Antivenom is created by immunizing animals with small, non-lethal amounts of venom and then harvesting the antibodies produced. These antivenoms are crucial for treating snakebite victims and can be life-saving when administered promptly.

How can one prevent snake bites from highly venomous snakes?

Preventing snake bites involves being aware of your surroundings, especially in regions where venomous snakes are common. Wearing protective clothing such as boots and long pants when walking in nature, avoiding tall grass and underbrush, not handling snakes, and being cautious when moving rocks or debris can significantly reduce the risk of snake bites.

Discussion Comments

wiesen

I certainly agree that the temperament of a snake is important. However, since the question was regarding the toxicity of a snake's venom, I focused more on that issue. Had the question been "What is the deadliest snake?" then the issue of disposition would be a fairly large focus.

anon88570

Good article! However, they forgot to include the snake's disposition or temperament, which would help determine it's propensity to bite, thus not only addressing toxicity but the danger of a particular snake. But this is my original question, so maybe I'm too picky.

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    • A shed snakeskin.
      By: Ekaterina Fribus
      A shed snakeskin.
    • A cobra, a type of venomous snake.
      By: surachai
      A cobra, a type of venomous snake.
    • Bites from venomous snakes require anti-venom medicines administered only by medical professionals.
      By: S.Külcü
      Bites from venomous snakes require anti-venom medicines administered only by medical professionals.
    • Testing venom potency in lab mice can give researchers an idea of how harmful the poisons are to humans.
      By: FikMik
      Testing venom potency in lab mice can give researchers an idea of how harmful the poisons are to humans.