Dangerous venomous snakes commonly found in Vietnam, compared to 'living mines'

Instead of trying to hide when seeing humans, this venomous snake chooses to lie still and is ready to bite anyone who comes close or accidentally steps on them.

Cham quach - Venomous snake with easily identifiable characteristics

Cham quach (scientific name Calloselasma rhodostoma), also known by a number of other names such as green snake, red snake, Malaysian viper . is a poisonous snake belonging to the viper family.

When mature, this snake is usually 70 to 90cm long, sometimes up to 1m long, female individuals are usually larger than males. The indigo snake has a clearly distinct head and neck, with a large, triangular head.

The indigo snake is easy to identify thanks to its symmetrical triangular pattern, forming a butterfly shape on its body (Photo: Nguyen Chi Lam).

A very easily identifiable feature of this snake is that along its spine there are symmetrical brown triangular patterns , forming a shape like butterfly wings. The body of this snake is gray-yellow or brown, so it is difficult to detect when lying in piles of dry leaves.

Because the indigo snake is easy to identify thanks to its body patterns and colors, people can proactively avoid confrontation or have appropriate handling plans when encountering this snake outdoors. naturally or where you live.

Indigo snakes are commonly distributed in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, parts of Indonesia.

An individual indigo snake appeared on the side of the road in Phan Thiet city, Binh Thuan (Photo: SIFASV).

In Vietnam, indigo snakes are distributed in the South Central region, Central Highlands, Southeast. of which the most common and common are in Binh Thuan, Ninh Thuan, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Cam Mountain - An Giang.

Why is indigo quap considered a "living mine"?

Indigo snakes are often found in rubber, melaleuca, eucalyptus plantations, abandoned agricultural lands with lots of grass, orchards. Notably, sometimes indigo snakes are also found in areas where humans live because they often chase mice, this snake's favorite food.

Indigo snakes often hide in piles of dry leaves and are very difficult to detect (Photo: SIFASV).

Indigo snakes often hide under piles of dry leaves. Due to the color of the body, it is difficult to recognize the presence of this snake in areas where dry leaves abound, especially in tree plantations. Indigo snakes can also be found under tree holes, rocks.

While other snakes, including venomous snakes, often try to hide when humans approach, the indigo snake curls up and lies still in a pile of dry leaves, instead of trying to hide. If a human accidentally steps closer or steps on it, the indigo quack will launch a peck, then it will continue to cower and lie still in place, ready to continue attacking.

It is this behavior of lying still in place to defend oneself, instead of running away when feeling threatened, that is the origin of the nickname "living mine" of the indigo snake.

How poisonous is the indigo snake?

Cham quach is a snake that possesses venom with enzymes that are toxic to cells and affect the blood (hematotoxic), capable of destroying red blood cells and tissue, causing pain and severe bleeding.

When bitten by an indigo snake, small prey such as mice, birds. will bleed to death. Meanwhile, when humans are bitten by an indigo snake, it will cause swelling, edema, blisters, bruising, etc. If the victim is not treated promptly, the bite will cause severe pain and necrosis.

If the victim is hospitalized late, the wound may become necrotic, forcing doctors to remove the joint.

Victims bitten by indigo snakes need to be immediately taken to the hospital to be treated with serum. If the victim is hospitalized late, the wound may become necrotic, forcing doctors to remove the joint or limb for treatment; If the case is severe, it can cause the victim to die.

According to Mr. Pham Minh Hieu, owner of the Youtube channel "Green Forest Messenger " and an expert on snakes, if bitten by an indigo snake, there is no need to provide first aid to the victim, do not make incisions, squeeze, smoke or apply medicinal leaves according to folk method. but must immediately take it to the hospital to be treated with anti-venom serum.

Folk remedies or trying to suck the venom out of the body will make the bite more serious. In particular, absolutely do not apply a tourniquet to the bite wound, as this will make necrosis more serious.

Epilogue

Cham quach is one of the most poisonous snakes in Vietnam. Because they are widely distributed and have diverse habitats, collisions between humans and indigo snakes are very likely to occur.

If you live and work in areas where indigo snakes are distributed, be vigilant to avoid being bitten by this snake. You should use rubber boots, wear gloves. when going into areas with lots of fallen leaves such as melaleuca forests, rubber forests.

An individual indigo snake in Vung Tau (Photo: Tue Dai).

Because the indigo snake is a snake that is easy to identify thanks to its body characteristics, if you encounter this snake, try to stay away and avoid trying to capture it to avoid being bitten by the snake. If you see a snake in your house, you should ask the fire department or other professionals to handle it to avoid unfortunate accidents.