• In Brazil, the expression “snake” is used as a synonym for snake. As this first term refers to individuals belonging to the genus Naja and Ophiophagus, the second ends up being the most appropriate.
• With carnivorous habits, snakes play an important role in the population control of other animals – including those considered pests to humans, such as rats.
• Poisonous snakes may or may not be venomous. What differs one type from another is that the latter have teeth that inoculate venom.
• Approximately 60% of snake bites are caused by venomous species.
• Almost all venomous snakes have a loreal pit, the exceptions are snakes from the Elapine group, with the example of true corals.
• In Brazil, more than 20,000 snakebites are registered per year and most of them happen in the hot and rainy months.
• The highest rates of snakes in Brazil are in the Midwest, North and Northeast regions.
• Most snakebites are caused by jararacas (over 90%).
• The overall lethality of deaths caused by snakebites is 0.45%, with rattlesnakes being the main cause.
• Skeletal muscle necrosis, caused by rattlesnake venom, causes the release of myoglobin, giving the patient's urine a reddish or even brownish color.
• In the Amazon, some true corals may not have colored rings throughout their bodies.
• The first antivenom serum was manufactured by Louis Calmette in 1894 in Lille, France. In Brazil, the production of this serum began in 1901, at the Instituto Soroterápico in the State of São Paulo, now the Instituto Butantan.
• Sera are specific for the type of snake responsible for snakebite.
By Mariana Araguaia
Graduated in Biology
Brazil School Team
See more!
Brazilian venomous snakes
Snakebite and antivenom
Curiosities - Brazil School
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/curiosidades/curiosidades-sobre-serpentes-ofidismo.htm
