In Vietnam, there exists a snake that, according to folklore, has two heads and possesses highly dangerous venom that can be lethal. So, what is this snake, and is it really as deadly as rumored? The following article will provide you with the answers.
Rumors About the “Two-Headed” Snake with Deadly Venom
In several provinces in Vietnam, especially in the southern regions, rumors often circulate about a species of snake that has two heads. It is said that the rear head of this snake has dangerous venom, and anyone bitten by this head would have a hard time surviving.
The snake referred to in these rumors is the Cylindrophis.
When threatened, the Cylindrophis often raises its tail high to intimidate, leading to the misconception that it has two heads. (Image: Twitter).
Cylindrophis, scientifically known as Cylindrophiidae, is a family of snakes that are widespread across Southeast Asia, China, India, and Sri Lanka. In Vietnam, this snake primarily inhabits the southern and southwestern regions. This is why rumors about the two-headed Cylindrophis mainly appear in these areas.
Close-up of the tail mistaken for the second head of the Cylindrophis (Image: Benjamin Lee).
The Cylindrophis is a small snake species, typically measuring between 0.8 to a maximum of 1 meter in length. This burrowing snake usually resides in moist areas such as marshes, reed beds, riverbanks, streams, and flooded agricultural lands. Its elongated, flattened head is indistinguishable from its body, which allows the Cylindrophis to easily dig holes and hide among piles of dry leaves.
The Cylindrophis can also often be found in areas inhabited by humans, particularly near rivers, canals, or rice fields…
The Cylindrophis primarily hunts at night, feeding on eels, earthworms, insects, and frog eggs…
The elongated head of the Cylindrophis is indistinguishable from its neck (Image: GBIF).
The reason the Cylindrophis is referred to as the two-headed snake is due to its unique defense mechanism. When threatened or in need of self-defense, the Cylindrophis will raise its tail high, while its real head remains still or buries itself under leaves.
The tail of the Cylindrophis has a flattened shape with a flared scale; when raised, it resembles the head of a cobra—a snake known for its highly dangerous venom—causing predators to feel fear and avoid the Cylindrophis.
Does the Cylindrophis Have Deadly Venom?
It is this unique defense mechanism that leads many to mistakenly believe it is a two-headed snake and that the flared head resembling that of a cobra can deliver a deadly bite. In reality, the Cylindrophis only has one normal head like other snakes, and its tail does not have the capability to bite or attack.
The Cylindrophis has a body with colorful rings, leading many to confuse it with the highly venomous Malayan krait (Image: Wesley Dicks).
One distinctive feature of the Cylindrophis is that it has a body adorned with alternating black, white, orange, or yellow stripes, leading many people to mistakenly identify it as the Malayan krait or the highly venomous krait species.
In reality, the Cylindrophis is completely harmless and poses no danger to humans. The Cylindrophis is a timid snake that often seeks to hide, burrowing into holes or dry leaves to avoid encounters with humans, which is why we rarely come across this snake.
Due to its timid nature, lack of venom, and vibrant colors, the Cylindrophis has become a popular choice for pet ownership.
<pThus, the rumor about a two-headed snake with deadly venom is entirely unfounded. Contrary to this rumor, the Cylindrophis is a gentle snake that poses no threat to humans.
