The snake, also known as the tiger keel, has been seen ingesting an extremely venomous toad for the sole purpose of stealing its venom. The video has gone viral on Instagram and has already racked up 1,741,056 million views and 601 comments as of Wednesday morning (17).
A snake swallowed a frog alive – Photo: @natureismetal/Instagram/Reproduction/NDIn the footage, you can see a still alive frog with its paws raised up, while the snake swallows it. The reptile never tries to run away from the snake, when it swallows it whole, you can see some ripples on its “neck”.
asian snake
Rhabdophis tigrinus, also known as tiger keel, kkotbaem or yamakagashi, is a species of venomous snake in the subfamily Natricinae of the family Colubridae. The species is native to East Asia and Southeast Asia.
The reptile lives in Japan and belongs to the Colubridae family. Unlike many snakes that produce venom within themselves, this snake steals venom from poisonous toads.
These frogs are the main prey of these animals, and their toxins accumulate in the area of the snake’s occipital gland, according to Nature Is Metal.
When they feel threatened by predators, these snakes arch their neck to display the gland as a warning of potential attacks that can help protect themselves and avoid danger.
Its eating habits and all of the snake’s venomous adaptations have evolved over millions of years to help it survive and thrive in its environment.
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Source: Ndmais