King ratsnake eats cobras and vipers. Its genome may explain how | TheBriefWire
King ratsnake eats cobras and vipers. Its genome may explain how
Published 27 July 2026 ยท science
Scientists have mapped the genome of the nonvenomous king ratsnake, a species known for hunting and eating deadly venomous snakes such as cobras and vipers
Scientists have mapped the genome of the nonvenomous king ratsnake, a species known for hunting and eating deadly venomous snakes such as cobras and vipers. The new chromosome-level genome will help researchers investigate how the snake naturally resists venom. They say the findings could improve understanding of snake evolution, venom resistance and support future research into better antivenom therapies.
Published: July 27, 2026 โข 7:55 PM IST ยท Updated: July 27, 2026 โข 9:04 PM ISTBy TheBriefWire Editorial Team
Key points
Scientists have mapped the genome of the nonvenomous king ratsnake, a species known for hunting and eating deadly venomous snakes such as cobras and vipers.
The new chromosome-level genome will help researchers investigate how the snake naturally resists venom.
They say the findings could improve understanding of snake evolution, venom resistance and support future research into better antivenom therapies.