by Heather Tomlinson, author of Toads and Diamonds
Authors are often told to “write what you know.” But what if you don’t? Research is the key to making the fantastical, believable. In the course of writing a novel, a writer can become completely immersed in finding out about a wide variety of subjects. In this case, reptiles. For as long as it takes to write the book, we become experts.
As for you, gentle reader? Prepare to test your herpetology knowledge!
True or False:
It’s difficult to tell poisonous snakes from harmless ones.
True. Some poisonous snakes do have distinguishing characteristics such as: a triangular head; vertical “catlike” pupils; a hole or pit between the animal’s eyes that is a heat sensor allowing it to track live prey; specific coloring or feature like a cobra’s hood. But non-poisonous snakes may mimic poisonous snakes in coloring or behavior to fool other predators.
from Indian Snakes, An Elementary Treastise on Ophiology, With a Descriptive Catalog of the Snakes Found in India and the Adjoining Countries, by Edward Nicholson]
Cobras are the world’s most venomous snakes.
False. In terms of toxicity, their venom doesn’t make the top ten list (Ernst & Zug, 1996). Russel’s viper, several varieties of sea snakes and kraits, for example, are far more deadly.
Touching a toad can give you warts.
False. Warts are caused by a virus that enters the skin via a scratch or cut.
Most snakes live in the desert.
False. Snakes live in a variety of habitats, including the water, forest, swamps, prairies, and even glaciers.
Snakes eat other snakes.
True. Some species’ diet consists primarily of other snakes. For other species, food items may include insects, birds, fish, small mammals, and other reptiles.
Snakes drink milk.
False. According to Indian Snakes.org, “The ‘milk drinking’ snakes shown by snake charmers are severely dehydrated and hence they will drink milk which is normally watered down and given to them.”
Poisonous snakes are an issue for people living in India.
True. In 2008, according to UPI, about 80,000 snakebites were reported, resulting in 11,000 deaths. Most take place in rural areas without immediate access to medical treatment and anti-venom.
Some snakes carry a diamond in their heads.
False. Totally a myth!
Under certain circumstances, a girl might wind up speaking toads and snakes with every word she says, which could lead to all sorts of misadventures.
True! So, so true.
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