Triple the Weight of a King Cobra: Meet the 57-pound Greek Viper

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Quick pick up

• Making a 57 pounds body mass did this viper the most venomous snake in history.

• The 157 years the disappearance of of Richard Owen research once threatened the legitimacy of this giant species.

• The Laophis crotaloides thrived and grew to massive size in cold weather conditions.

• CONSIDERED 13 vertebrae found in Greece was necessary to determine this predator family of snakes.

You probably know that the king cobra is the largest venomous snake known to man, but what if this is not entirely true? It all started in 1857, when British paleontologist Richard Owen discovered 13 fossils that led him to publish his findings of a new species of viper, which he claimed was the largest yet!

However, Owen’s discoveries were lost in time until 157 years later! A single fossil was rediscovered near Thessaloniki, northern Greece, lending credence to Richard Owen’s discovery many years earlier. Discover the biggest venomous snake ever. Hint – it’s three times the size of a king cobra.

What is the biggest venomous snake ever?

In 1857, Richard Owen, who had coined the word “dinosaur”, described an incredible discovery. Owen claimed to have found 13 fossil vertebrae of an enormous snake near Thessaloniki, Greece. He named the species Laophis crotaloides.

From his fossils, Owen was able to determine not only the size and weight of the snake, but also its family. He stated that 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 species of venomous snake, can grow up to 18 feet long but rarely exceed 20 pounds in weight. Consequently, it is safe to say that king cobras are only about one-third the weight of Laophis crotaloides.

Laophis crotaloides lived in Greece (and perhaps other parts of the world) about 4 million years ago. This means they inhabited areas with grasslands, thick vegetation and cold weather. Since most snakes today hibernate in the winter and only come out when the weather is warm, it is amazing how Laophis crotaloides survived and grew to such a size.

Where did they live?

Laois crotaloides is an extinct species of snake that lived in Greece (and possibly other parts of the world) about 4 million years ago. The remains of Laois crotaloides were first discovered in Greece in 1857 and since then there has been further research into its existence and range. Today, Laois crotaloides is believed to have also lived outside of Greece during this time period, but due to a lack of evidence, this still remains uncertain.

Laophis Crotaloides Venom

Not much is known about Laophis crotaloides, and unfortunately the one fossil discovered can’t tell us enough to figure out the type of venom of the monster. However, we do know that it was a viper, and we safely assume that it had a venom similar to that of many vipers today.

In general, vipers have venom composed of enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins. Their venom usually attacks tissues and causes death if the venom is strong enough and untreated. It also causes necrosis and coagulopathy—not to mention the intense pain and swelling that accompanies viper bites. They also have long, hollow, solenoglyphic fangs that allow them to inject their venom like they would use a hypodermic needle.

Their diet

Georgios Georgalis, a researcher, believes that these snakes had a diet very similar to today’s snakes. Even though the snake lived among some really large animals, he believed it fed on a diet of small mammals such as rodents. Georgalis presented his findings on Laophis crotaloides to the Society for Vertebrate Paleontology in Berlin on November 6, 2014.

Laophis Crotaloides vs other snake species

Laophis crotaloides is undoubtedly 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 Laophis crotaloides.

Laophis Crotaloides vs. the 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 small compared to Laophis crotaloides.

Garter snakes are generally mild-tempered and are often kept as pets, unlike venomous vipers. You can identify these snakes by their different colors and patterns. They are some of the most beautiful snakes known to man.

Laophis Crotaloides vs. The 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 North 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 dangerous and can kill a person. Despite this, it is still incredibly powerful and life-threatening. On average, these snakes measure 24 inches. However, the largest tiger rattlesnake specimen discovered measured 35.9 inches (3 feet).

Laophis Crotaloides vs Largest Hognose Snake Ever Discovered

Hognose snakes are popular for their strange noses and dramatic attitudes. They are usually sand-brown marks of different colors. These snakes are non-venomous and average 2 to 4 feet in length. They have been known to reach a maximum length of 6 feet.

Laophis Crotaloides vs the largest anaconda ever discovered

Anacondas are known for their size and length. Consequently, there are several reports claiming to have discovered the largest specimen. However, the largest and most verifiable claim points to a 27.7-foot-long anaconda that weighed over 500 pounds.

Laophis Crotaloides vs the largest blood python ever discovered

Blood pythons are non-venomous snakes found in various parts of the world. On average, they weigh between 4 and 6 kilograms. However, the largest blood python ever discovered weighed over 50 pounds and measured about 10 feet.

Laophis Crotaloides against the largest Eastern rattlesnake ever discovered

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, a man, identified only by the singular name Rutledge, holds the record for the largest eastern rattlesnake. The snake was caught in 1946 and measured 7 feet, 8 inches while weighing 34 pounds. On average, eastern diamonds weigh 4 to 5 pounds and measure 4 to 5 feet.

Laophis Crotaloides vs. the largest western rattlesnake ever discovered

Western 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 can reach 5 feet. The largest western rattlesnake ever discovered was 7 feet 8 inches long.

Laophis Crotaloides vs the largest Burmese python ever discovered

The largest Burmese python ever discovered was found in the Everglades, Florida. He was 18 feet 9 inches and weighed 104 pounds! It was captured by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.

Other record snakes

Baird’s rat snakes are a type of snake that can be found in North America. They are medium-sized snakes, usually growing to lengths between 2 and 5 feet, making them relatively small compared to other snake species.

These snakes are not known for being the largest of their family, but they can still grow to impressive sizes, with some individuals measuring up to 25 to 55 inches (64 to 140 cm) in total body length (including tail).

It is important to note that the largest Baird’s rat snake ever recorded was not officially documented, so there is no exact data on its size. Baby Baird’s rat snakes, on the other hand, typically measure 11.8 inches (30 cm) in length on average. In terms of weight, rat snakes are relatively light, averaging 1.3–4.8 lb (0.6–2.2 kg).

The post Triple the Weight of a King Cobra: Meet the 57-pound Viper of Greece appeared first on AZ Animals.