Vasuki indicus from India is one of the longest snake species to have ever lived, growing to even 49 feet!
Named after the mythical serpent Vasuki from Hindu mythology, it belonged to the now-extinct Madtsoiidae family, a group of large, non-venomous constrictor snakes.
Vasuki indicus, a prehistoric snake from India, is one of the longest ever recorded. Learn about its size, habitat, and significance in paleontology. (Source: Wikimedia Commons) In 2024, India made a groundbreaking advancement in palaeontology with Vasuki indicus, an ancient snake species that ranks among the longest to have ever lived. Estimated to have reached an astonishing length of 15 meters (49 feet), this prehistoric giant existed around 47 million years ago during the Eocene epoch.
The fossil remains were first unearthed in Gujarat in 2004, marking a significant find in understanding snake evolution and their ancient habitats. However, the species was only identified and described as a new genus in 2024.
Named after the mythical serpent Vasuki from Hindu mythology, Vasuki indicus belonged to the now-extinct Madtsoiidae family, a group of large, non-venomous constrictor snakes. This discovery places it among the longest known snake species, rivaling Titanoboa, which grew up to 42 feet and lived around 60 million years ago in South America.
This discovery places it among the longest known snake species, rivaling Titanoboa, which grew up to 42 feet and lived around 60 million years ago in South America (Source: Freepik)
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