Experiments with the venom of Laticauda, pseudechis and Trimeresurus species

Abstract
The minimum lethal dose of the venom of a Sea Snake, Laticauda colubrina, and two species of Pit Vipers, Trimeresurus sumatranus and T. wagleri, was found to be approximately 0·113 mgm., 0·50 mgm., and 2·45 mgm. per kilo. body weight respectively, as tested in mice. In spite of this comparatively high toxicity, especially in the first two cases; the total yield of venom does not seem to be sufficient to render the bites of any of these three species dangerous to healthy adult human beings. Venom of the Australian Black Snake, Pseudechis porphyriacus, that had been kept dry at room temperature for at least 39 years was found to have maintained its toxic properties without any appreciable diminution in virulence.

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