However, Owen’s findings got lost in time until 157 years later! A single fossil was rediscovered near Thessaloniki, northern Greece, giving credibility to Richard Owen’s discovery many years ago. Discover the largest venomous snake ever. A tip – it’s 3x bigger than a king cobra.
What is the Largest Venomous Snake Ever?
In 1857, Richard Owen, who had derived the word “dinosaur” described an unbelievable finding. Owen claimed to have found 13 fossil vertebrae near Thessaloniki, Greece. He named the species Laophis crotaloides. From its fossils, Owen was not only able to determine its size and weight but also what snake family it belonged to. He stated that the Laophis crotaloides was a viper that weighed 57 pounds and measured between 10 and 13 feet in length. King cobras, which are currently recognized as the largest venomous snake species can grow up to 18 feet but hardly exceed 20 pounds in weight. Consequently, it is safe to say that king cobras are close to only a third of Laophis crotaloides weight. Laophis crotaloides lived in Greece (and perhaps other parts of the world) about 4 million years ago. This means that they inhabited areas with grasslands, thick vegetation, and cold weather. Considering the fact that most snakes today hibernate through winter and only come out when the weather is warm, it is astounding how Laophis crotaloides survived and grew to such size.
Laophis Crotaloides Venom
Not much is known about Laophis crotaloides and sadly, the single fossil discovered cannot tell us enough to figure out the monster’s venom type. However, we do know that it is a viper and safely assume that it had venom similar to many vipers today. Generally, vipers have venom filled with enzymatic and nonenzymatic proteins. Usually, their venom attacks tissues and causes death- if the venom is strong enough and left untreated. It also causes necrosis and coagulopathy- not to mention the intense pain and swelling that accompany viper bites. They also have long hollow solenoglyphous fangs that allow them to inject their venom like one would use a hypodermic needle.
Laophis Crotaloides Diet
Georgios Georgalis, a study researcher believes that these snakes fed very similarly to snakes today. Even though the snake lived among some really large animals, he believes it fed on a diet of small mammals such as rodents. Georgalis also presented findings of the Laophis crotaloides to the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology in Berlin on the 6th of November, 2014.
Laophis Crotaloides vs Other Snake Species
Without a doubt, the Laophis crotaloides is one of the largest venomous snakes ever discovered. You already know how it compares to the king cobra in size. But how does it compare to other snake species? Let’s take a look at 8 large snake species compared to the Laophis crotaloides.
Laophis Crotaloides vs Largest Garter Snake Ever Recorded
Garter snakes are harmless snakes. They have venom that is only dangerous to their prey. These snakes are usually medium-sized, measuring between 23 and 30 inches. The largest garter snake ever discovered measured 52.8 inches (4.4 feet). This makes them tiny compared to Laophis crotaloides. Generally, garter snakes have easy-going temperaments and are often kept as pets, unlike venomous pit vipers. You can identify these snakes by their varying colors and patterns. They are some of the most beautiful snakes known to man.
Laophis Crotaloides vs Largest Tiger Rattlesnake Ever Discovered
Tiger rattlesnakes are named for their tiger-like patterns. They are known to be one of the deadliest snakes in Northern America. Tiger rattlesnakes inject only about 11 mg of dried venom in each bite. This is much lower than other snakes. However, it is still life-threatening and capable of killing a person. Despite this, it is still incredibly potent and life-threatening. On average, these snakes measure 24 inches. However, the largest specimen of tiger rattlesnake discovered measured 35.9 inches (3 feet).
Laophis Crotaloides vs Largest Hognose Snake Ever Discovered
Hognose snakes are popular for their weird noses and their dramatic attitudes. They are usually sand-brown markings of varying colors. These snakes are nonvenomous and measure 2 to 4 feet on average. They are known to attain a maximum length of 6 feet.
Laophis Crotaloides vs Largest Anaconda Ever Discovered
Anacondas are known for their sizes and length. Consequently, there are several reports that claim to have discovered the largest specimen. However, the largest and most verifiable claim points to a 27.7 feet long anaconda that weighed over 500 pounds.
Laophis Crotaloides vs Largest Blood Python Ever Discovered
Blood pythons are nonvenomous snakes found in various parts of the world. On average, they weigh 4 to 6 pounds. However, the largest blood python ever discovered weighed over 50 pounds and measured about 10 feet.
Laophis Crotaloides vs Largest Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake Ever Discovered
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, a man, identified by only the singular name Rutledge holds the record for the largest eastern diamondback rattlesnake. The snake was caught in 1946 and measured 7 feet, 8 inches while weighing 34 pounds. On average, eastern diamondbacks weigh 4 to 5 pounds and measure 4 to 5 feet.
Laophis Crotaloides vs Largest Western Diamondback Rattlesnake Ever Discovered
Western diamondback rattlesnakes are some of the most venomous species known to man. They are usually colored with mixtures of brown, yellow, brick red, or yellowish/pinkish-white. On average, these animals measure 4 feet but may reach 5 feet. The largest western diamondback rattlesnake ever discovered was 7 feet and 8 inches in length.
Laophis Crotaloides vs Largest Burmese Python Ever Discovered
The largest Burmese python ever discovered was found in the Everglades, Florida. It measured 18-feet, 9-inches, and weighed 104 pounds! It was captured by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.
