Stiletto Snake

Unique among snakes for its ability to strike sideways without opening its mouth, using a single elongated fang that protrudes from the corner of its closed mouth. This makes it impossible to safely hold behind the head like other snakes. Burrowing lifestyle means bites often occur when accidentally unearthed during gardening or construction. No specific antivenom is widely available.

Also Known AsBibron's Stiletto Snake, Side-stabbing Snake, Burrowing Asp

FamilyAtractaspididae

GenusAtractaspis

RegionAfricaSub-Saharan Africa, Southern Africa, East Africa

Photo: Ryan van Huyssteen · Source: Wikimedia Commons · License: CC BY-SA 4.0

Stiletto Snake

Photo: Ryan van Huyssteen · Source: Wikimedia Commons · License: CC BY-SA 4.0

Stiletto Snake

Danger Score

Final Danger Score

Venom Core

Lethality weighted 55% (potency × yield). Clinical weighted 45% (real-world CFR).

0.55 × 40 + 0.45 × 1729.6

Modifiers

Multiplicative scalers - amplify or reduce existing danger, can't create it from nothing.

× Speed (1.01)29.9

× Delivery (1.00)29.9

× Encounter (0.86)25.8

Speed = antivenom window. Delivery = fang efficiency. Encounter = exposure × temperament.

Score26

Venom Profile

Type

CytotoxicDestroys cells and damages tissue; can cause permanent tissue damage and disfigurement.

Venom Yield

Low

Venom Speed

Quick

Delivery Method

Movable front fangs

Potency (SC Equivalent)

0.460mg/kg LD50

Max Dry Yield

8mg dry

Clinical Severity

Fatality (Untreated)

0-3%

WHO Importance

Local Effects

Pain at bite site, Swelling, Tissue damage

Gastrointestinal

Nausea or vomiting