Abstract:Objective To establish a simple and effective method for the identification of the authenticity of Zaocys dhumnades (Cantor). Methods The authenticity of Zaocys dhumnades (Cantor) was identified based on microscopic characteristics. Results The adulterants ofZaocys dhumnades (Cantor) sold on the market included Ptyas korros (Schlegel), Ptyas mucosus (Linnaeus), Najanajaatra Cantor, Sinonatrix annularis (Hallowell), and Dinodon septentrionalis(Gunther). The identification of microscopic characteristics showed purple black scales on the back of Zaocys dhumnades (Cantor); Zaocys dhumnades (Cantor) produced in Hunan, China, had a yellow brown longitudinal line in the center, with orderly distributed black spots, and the abdomen was light blue with scattered spots. There were significant differences in color and stripes of single-scale snakeskin between the adulterants and the genuine product. Conclusion Microscopic characteristic identification can effectively and accurately identify the genuine Zaocys dhumnades (Cantor) and make up for the shortcomings of conventional identification method.