Talk:Rhabdophis

Poisonous vs Venomous

The article states that some of these snakes are poisonous, but is silent on whether they are also venomous. Are these snakes poisonous but not venomous? Or are they poisonous and venomous? The article should say so. (I would make this change myself, but I don't know the answer.) –MiguelMunoz (talk) 22:26, 11 January 2016 (UTC)

This article states "While the term 'poisonous snake' is often incorrectly used for a wide variety of venomous snakes." It uses The Telegraph, a non-scientific source, to justify this comment. Consider however the following statement:

“The term venomous animal is usually applied to those creatures that are capable of producing a poison in a highly developed secretory gland or group of cells and that can deliver this toxin during a biting or stinging act. Poisonous animals, on the other hand, are generally regarded to be those whose tissues, either in part or in their entirety, are toxic. These animals have no mechanism or structure for the delivery of their poisons. Poisoning by these forms usually takes place through ingestion. IN REALITY, ALL VENOMOUS ANIMALS ARE POISONOUS, BUT NOT ALL POISONOUS ANIMALS ARE VENOMOUS.” {emphasis mine}

Findlay Russell, MD, PhD, in Casarett and Doull’s Toxicology: The Basic Science of Poisons

There are few if any people who have published more books and scientific articles on poisonous and venomous articles than Findlay Russell. So according to someone who actually published in this area, it is completely acceptable to call a venomous snake "poisonous." — Preceding unsigned comment added by Tlacatecatl (talk • contribs) 20:23, 28 July 2018 (UTC)

This article seems at odds with itself, claiming the snake is both harmless and not harmless to humans. In fact, several of these snakes have harmed humans and it is proven that some species are both venomous and poisonous. Quality is very poor here. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2603:8000:D100:27A7:B928:973:61F1:F4CB (talk) 14:55, 16 January 2024 (UTC)