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{{Short description|Subfamily of snakes}}
{{Short description|Family of snakes}}
{{Automatic taxobox
{{Automatic taxobox
| image = Atractaspis engaddensis.jpg
| image = Atractaspis engaddensis.jpg
| image_caption = ''Atractaspis engaddensis''
| image_caption = ''Atractaspis engaddensis''
| taxon = Atractaspidinae
| taxon = Atractaspididae
| authority = [[Albert C. L. G. Günther|Günther]], 1858
| authority = [[Albert C. L. G. Günther|Günther]], 1858
| synonyms = * Aparallactinae
| synonyms = * Aparallactinae
}}
}}


The '''Atractaspidinae''' are a [[Family (biology)|subfamily]] of [[snakes]]<ref name="Pyron">{{Cite journal|author=Pyron, R. Alexander|year=2011|title=The phylogeny of advanced snakes (Colubroidea), with discovery of a new subfamily and comparison of support methods for likelihood trees|journal=Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution |volume=58 |issue=2|pages=329–342|doi=10.1016/j.ympev.2010.11.006|pmid=21074626|url=http://200.46.218.171/bds-cbc/sites/default/files/Pyron_et_al_2011.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003095528/http://200.46.218.171/bds-cbc/sites/default/files/Pyron_et_al_2011.pdf|archive-date=3 October 2013|url-status=dead|display-authors=etal}}</ref> found in [[Africa]] and the [[Middle East]], commonly called ''' mole vipers, stiletto snakes,''' or '''burrowing asps'''. Currently, 12 [[genus|genera]] are recognized.<ref name="ITIS">{{ITIS |id=563895 |taxon=Atractaspididae |access-date=17 August 2007}}</ref>
The '''Atractaspididae''' (atractaspidids) are a [[Family (biology)|family]] of [[venomous snakes]]<ref name="Pyron">{{Cite journal|author=Pyron, R. Alexander|year=2011|title=The phylogeny of advanced snakes (Colubroidea), with discovery of a new subfamily and comparison of support methods for likelihood trees|journal=Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution |volume=58 |issue=2|pages=329–342|doi=10.1016/j.ympev.2010.11.006|pmid=21074626|url=http://200.46.218.171/bds-cbc/sites/default/files/Pyron_et_al_2011.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003095528/http://200.46.218.171/bds-cbc/sites/default/files/Pyron_et_al_2011.pdf|archive-date=3 October 2013|url-status=dead|display-authors=etal}}</ref> found in [[Africa]] and the [[Middle East]], commonly called''' mole vipers, stiletto snakes,''' or '''burrowing asps'''. Currently, 12 [[genus|genera]] are recognized.<ref name="ITIS">{{ITIS |id=563895 |taxon=Atractaspididae |access-date=17 August 2007}}</ref>


==Description==
==Description==
This subfamily includes many genera formerly classed in other families and subfamilies, on the basis of [[fang]] type. It includes fangless ([[aglypha|aglyphous]]), rear-fanged ([[opisthoglypha|opisthoglyphous]]), fixed-fanged ([[proteroglypha|proteroglyphous]]), and viper-like ([[solenoglypha|solenoglyphous]]) [[species]]. Early molecular and physiological data linking this subfamily to others were ambiguous and often contradictory, which means the [[Taxonomy (biology)|taxonomy]] of this subfamily has been highly contentious. The nominate family, Atractaspididae, has itself been moved to and from other taxa, reinforcing the ambiguity of this subfamily.
This family includes many genera formerly classed in other families and subfamilies, on the basis of [[fang]] type. It includes fangless ([[aglypha|aglyphous]]), rear-fanged ([[opisthoglypha|opisthoglyphous]]), fixed-fanged ([[proteroglypha|proteroglyphous]]), and viper-like ([[solenoglypha|solenoglyphous]]) [[species]]. Early molecular and physiological data linking this subfamily to others were ambiguous and often contradictory, which means the [[Taxonomy (biology)|taxonomy]] of this subfamily has been highly contentious. The nominate family, Atractaspididae, has itself been moved to and from other taxa, such as potentially forming a trichotomy with Elapidae and Colubridae,<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Jackson |first1=Kate |title=The evolution of venom-delivery systems in snakes |journal=Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society |date=March 2003 |volume=137 |issue=3 |pages=337–354 |doi=10.1046/j.1096-3642.2003.00052.x |s2cid=22522675 |doi-access=free }}</ref> reinforcing the ambiguity of this subfamily.


==Geographic range==
==Geographic range==
This subfamily is found in [[Africa]] and the [[Middle East]].<ref name="Meh87">Mehrtens JM. 1987. Living Snakes of the World in Color. New York: Sterling Publishers. 480 pp. {{ISBN|0-8069-6460-X}}.</ref><ref name="SB95">Spawls S, Branch B. 1995. The Dangerous Snakes of Africa. Ralph Curtis Books. Dubai: Oriental Press. 192 pp. {{ISBN|0-88359-029-8}}.</ref><ref name="P&G77">Parker HW, Grandison AGC. 1977. Snakes -- a natural history. Second Edition. British Museum (Natural History) and Cornell University Press. 108 pp. 16 plates. LCCCN 76-54625. {{ISBN|0-8014-1095-9}} (cloth), {{ISBN|0-8014-9164-9}} (paper).</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Margres|first=Mark J|last2=Aronow|first2=Karalyn|last3=Loyacano|first3=Jacob|last4=Rokyta|first4=Darin R|date=2013|title=The venom-gland transcriptome of the eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius) reveals high venom complexity in the intragenomic evolution of venoms|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2164-14-531|journal=BMC Genomics|volume=14|issue=1|pages=531|doi=10.1186/1471-2164-14-531|issn=1471-2164|doi-access=free}}</ref>
This subfamily is found in [[Africa]] and the [[Middle East]].<ref name="Meh87">Mehrtens JM. 1987. [https://archive.org/details/livingsnakesofwo00mehr Living Snakes of the World in Color]. New York: Sterling Publishers. 480 pp. {{ISBN|0-8069-6460-X}}.</ref><ref name="SB95">Spawls S, Branch B. 1995. The Dangerous Snakes of Africa. Ralph Curtis Books. Dubai: Oriental Press. 192 pp. {{ISBN|0-88359-029-8}}.</ref><ref name="P&G77">Parker HW, Grandison AGC. 1977. Snakes -- a natural history. Second Edition. British Museum (Natural History) and Cornell University Press. 108 pp. 16 plates. {{LCCN|76-54625}}. {{ISBN|0-8014-1095-9}} (cloth), {{ISBN|0-8014-9164-9}} (paper).</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Margres|first1=Mark J|last2=Aronow|first2=Karalyn|last3=Loyacano|first3=Jacob|last4=Rokyta|first4=Darin R|date=2013|title=The venom-gland transcriptome of the eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius) reveals high venom complexity in the intragenomic evolution of venoms|journal=BMC Genomics|volume=14|issue=1|pages=531|doi=10.1186/1471-2164-14-531|pmid=23915248|pmc=3750283|issn=1471-2164|doi-access=free}}</ref>


==Venom==
==Venom==
Most of these snakes are inoffensive or far too small to envenomate a person effectively. However, some can inflict severe [[tissue necrosis]]; e.g. if the victim's thumb is bitten, the tip of that digit may be lost. Relapses may occur long after the bite.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p31K9gfBev8</ref><ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSx1fiLVxLs</ref>
Many of these snakes are inoffensive or far too small to envenomate a person effectively. However, some can inflict severe [[tissue necrosis]]; e.g. if the victim's thumb is bitten, the tip of that digit may be lost. Relapses may occur long after the bite.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211205/p31K9gfBev8 Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20091115044040/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p31K9gfBev8 Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p31K9gfBev8| title = I Was Bitten - Flesh Eating Snakebite | website=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211205/hSx1fiLVxLs Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20160313034854/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSx1fiLVxLs Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSx1fiLVxLs| title = Stiletto Snake | website=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>{{medcn|date=March 2024}} The venom of stiletto snakes causes excruciating pain.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/snake-stab-sideways-fangs-mouth-1360202|title=Snake That Can Stab Sideways With Fangs Sticking Out Corner of Its Mouth Discovered|date=March 12, 2019|accessdate=April 19, 2024|website=[[Newsweek]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.africansnakebiteinstitute.com/articles/beware-of-the-stiletto-snake/|title=Beware of the Stiletto Snake - African Snakebite Institute|accessdate=April 19, 2024|website=African Snakebite Institute}}</ref>


Very few deaths have resulted from accidents with these snakes, although large individuals of ''[[Atractaspis microlepidota]]'' and a few other long-glanded species are very likely to be dangerous.<ref>Atractaspididae at the TIGR Reptile Database</ref> Some of the long-fanged species are able to stab their prey (or an unfortunate human) even while their mouths are closed, and the typical grasp used by [[herpetologist]]s to securely hold venomous snakes is not necessarily safe for this group.<ref>Kurnik Haviv and Kochva (1999). ''A snake bite by the burrowing asp, Atractaspis engaddensis.'' Toxicon 37(1): 223-227.</ref><ref>Deufel and Cundall (2003). ''Feeding in Atractaspis (Serpentes: Atractaspididae): a study in conflicting functional constraints.'' Zoology 106: 43-61.</ref> This ability to stab sideways even with a closed mouth is the basis for an English name used for some of them - side-stabbing snakes.<ref name="SB95"/>
Very few deaths have resulted from accidents with these snakes, although large individuals of ''[[Atractaspis microlepidota]]'' and other long-glanded species are very likely to be dangerous.<ref>Atractaspididae at the TIGR Reptile Database</ref> Some of the long-fanged species are able to stab their prey (or an unfortunate human) even while their mouths are closed, and the typical grasp used by [[herpetologist]]s to securely hold venomous snakes is not safe for this group.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Kurnik |first=Daniel |last2=Haviv |first2=Yael |last3=Kochva |first3=Elazar |date=1999 |title=A snake bite by the Burrowing Asp, Atractaspis engaddensis |journal=Toxicon |volume=37 |issue=1 |pages=223–227 |doi=10.1016/S0041-0101(98)00166-4 |pmid=9920494}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Deufel |first=Alexandra |last2=Cundall |first2=David |date=2003 |title=Feeding in Atractaspis (Serpentes: Atractaspididae): a study in conflicting functional constraints |url=https://www.kingsnake.com/aho/pdf/menu3/deufel2003.pdf |journal=Zoology |volume=106 |issue=1 |pages=43–61 |doi=10.1078/0944-2006-00088 |pmid=16351890}}</ref> This ability to stab sideways even with a closed mouth is the basis for an English name used for some of them: "side-stabbing snakes" or "side-stabbers".<ref name="SB95"/>


==Genera==
==Genera==
Line 59: Line 59:
|[[Franz Werner|F. Werner]], 1907
|[[Franz Werner|F. Werner]], 1907
|align="center"|3
|align="center"|3
|Arash Javanmardi<ref>McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T. 1999. Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, vol. 1. Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. {{ISBN|1-893777-00-6}} (series). {{ISBN|1-893777-01-4}} (volume).</ref>
|Africa
|-
|''[[Elapotinus]]''
|[[Giorgio Jan|Jan]], 1862
|align="center"|1
|Jan's snake
|Africa
|Africa
|-
|-
Line 74: Line 67:
|Africa
|Africa
|-
|-
|''[[Homoroselaps]]''<ref>http://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/advanced_search?taxon=Atractaspidinae&submit=Search</ref>
|''[[Homoroselaps]]''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/advanced_search?taxon=Atractaspidinae&submit=Search|title = Search results &#124; the Reptile Database}}</ref>
|Jan, 1858
|Jan, 1858
|align="center"|2
|align="center"|2
Line 98: Line 91:
|Africa
|Africa
|-
|-
|''[[Polemon (genus)|Polemon]]''
|''[[Polemon (snake)|Polemon]]''
|Jan, 1858
|Jan, 1858
|align="center"|13
|align="center"|13
Line 114: Line 107:
==Taxonomy==
==Taxonomy==
This family was previously classified as a subfamily of the [[Colubridae]]: the Aparallactinae.<ref name="Meh87"/>
This family was previously classified as a subfamily of the [[Colubridae]]: the Aparallactinae.<ref name="Meh87"/>

== Gallery ==
<gallery class="center">
File:Amblyodipsas microphthalma.jpg|''Amblyodipsas'' [[type species]]; eastern purple-glossed snake ([[Amblyodipsas microphthalma|A. microphthalma]])
File:Aparallactus capensis.jpg|''Aparallactus'' type species; Cape centipede-eater ([[Aparallactus capensis|A. capensis]])
File:Atractaspis bibronii full body.jpg|''Atractaspis'' type species; southern stiletto snake ([[Atractaspis bibronii|A. bibronii]])
File:Homoroselaps lacteus.jpg|''Homoroselaps'' type species; spotted harlequin snake ([[Homoroselaps lacteus|H. lacteus]])
File:Macrelaps microlepidotus head.jpg|''Macrelaps'' type species; Natal black snake ([[Macrelaps|M. microlepidotus]])
File:מחרוזן הטבעות (דו-גוני).jpg|''Micrelaps'' type species; Müller's snake ([[Micrelaps muelleri|M. muelleri]])
File:Xenocalamus bicolor.jpg|''Xenocalamus'' type species; slender quill-snouted snake ([[Xenocalamus bicolor|X. bicolor]])
</gallery>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 122: Line 126:


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons cat}}
{{Commons category}}
* {{NRDB family|page=atractaspidinae.php|family=Atractaspidinae|date=3 November|year=2008}}
* {{NRDB family|page=atractaspidinae.php|family=Atractaspidinae|date=3 November|year=2008}}
* [http://snakesarelong.blogspot.com/2012/08/stiletto-snakes.html Atractaspids at Life is Short but Snakes are Long]
* [http://snakesarelong.blogspot.com/2012/08/stiletto-snakes.html Atractaspids at Life is Short but Snakes are Long]
* [http://scienceblogs.com/tetrapodzoology/2008/05/26/sidestabbing-stiletto-snakes/ Stiletto snakes at Tetrapod Zoology]
* [http://scienceblogs.com/tetrapodzoology/2008/05/26/sidestabbing-stiletto-snakes/ Stiletto snakes at Tetrapod Zoology]
* [https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/1148893-Atractaspididae iNaturalist link]


{{snake_families}}
{{snake_families}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q2869616}}
{{Taxonbar|from1=Q840931}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Atractaspididae| ]]
[[Category:Atractaspididae| ]]
[[Category:Tetrapod subfamilies]]
[[Category:Snake subfamilies]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Albert Günther]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Albert Günther]]

Latest revision as of 23:14, 19 April 2024

Atractaspididae
Atractaspis engaddensis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Superfamily: Elapoidea
Family: Atractaspididae
Günther, 1858
Synonyms
  • Aparallactinae

The Atractaspididae (atractaspidids) are a family of venomous snakes[1] found in Africa and the Middle East, commonly called mole vipers, stiletto snakes, or burrowing asps. Currently, 12 genera are recognized.[2]

Description[edit]

This family includes many genera formerly classed in other families and subfamilies, on the basis of fang type. It includes fangless (aglyphous), rear-fanged (opisthoglyphous), fixed-fanged (proteroglyphous), and viper-like (solenoglyphous) species. Early molecular and physiological data linking this subfamily to others were ambiguous and often contradictory, which means the taxonomy of this subfamily has been highly contentious. The nominate family, Atractaspididae, has itself been moved to and from other taxa, such as potentially forming a trichotomy with Elapidae and Colubridae,[3] reinforcing the ambiguity of this subfamily.

Geographic range[edit]

This subfamily is found in Africa and the Middle East.[4][5][6][7]

Venom[edit]

Many of these snakes are inoffensive or far too small to envenomate a person effectively. However, some can inflict severe tissue necrosis; e.g. if the victim's thumb is bitten, the tip of that digit may be lost. Relapses may occur long after the bite.[8][9][medical citation needed] The venom of stiletto snakes causes excruciating pain.[10][11]

Very few deaths have resulted from accidents with these snakes, although large individuals of Atractaspis microlepidota and other long-glanded species are very likely to be dangerous.[12] Some of the long-fanged species are able to stab their prey (or an unfortunate human) even while their mouths are closed, and the typical grasp used by herpetologists to securely hold venomous snakes is not safe for this group.[13][14] This ability to stab sideways even with a closed mouth is the basis for an English name used for some of them: "side-stabbing snakes" or "side-stabbers".[5]

Genera[edit]

Subfamily Atractaspidinae -- 13 Genera
Genus[2] Taxon author[2] Species
Count[2] 		Common name Geographic range
Amblyodipsas W. Peters, 1857 9 glossy snakes Africa
Aparallactus A. Smith, 1849 11 centipede-eaters Africa
Atractaspis A. Smith, 1849 15 burrowing asps, stiletto snakes[2] Africa, Middle-East
Brachyophis Mocquard, 1888 1 Revoil's short snake Africa
Chilorhinophis F. Werner, 1907 3 Africa
Hypoptophis Boulenger, 1908 1 African bighead snake Africa
Homoroselaps[15] Jan, 1858 2 harlequin snakes Southern Africa
Macrelaps Boulenger, 1896 1 Natal black snake Africa
Micrelaps Boettger, 1880 4 two-headed snakes Africa, Middle-East
Poecilopholis Boulenger, 1903 1 Cameroon racer Africa
Polemon Jan, 1858 13 snake-eaters Africa
Xenocalamus Günther, 1868 5 quill-snouted snakes Africa

Taxonomy[edit]

This family was previously classified as a subfamily of the Colubridae: the Aparallactinae.[4]

Gallery[edit]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Pyron, R. Alexander; et al. (2011). "The phylogeny of advanced snakes (Colubroidea), with discovery of a new subfamily and comparison of support methods for likelihood trees" (PDF). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 58 (2): 329–342. doi:10.1016/j.ympev.2010.11.006. PMID 21074626. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 October 2013.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Atractaspididae". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 17 August 2007.
  3. ^ Jackson, Kate (March 2003). "The evolution of venom-delivery systems in snakes". Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 137 (3): 337–354. doi:10.1046/j.1096-3642.2003.00052.x. S2CID 22522675.
  4. ^ a b Mehrtens JM. 1987. Living Snakes of the World in Color. New York: Sterling Publishers. 480 pp. ISBN 0-8069-6460-X.
  5. ^ a b Spawls S, Branch B. 1995. The Dangerous Snakes of Africa. Ralph Curtis Books. Dubai: Oriental Press. 192 pp. ISBN 0-88359-029-8.
  6. ^ Parker HW, Grandison AGC. 1977. Snakes -- a natural history. Second Edition. British Museum (Natural History) and Cornell University Press. 108 pp. 16 plates. LCCN 76--54625. ISBN 0-8014-1095-9 (cloth), ISBN 0-8014-9164-9 (paper).
  7. ^ Margres, Mark J; Aronow, Karalyn; Loyacano, Jacob; Rokyta, Darin R (2013). "The venom-gland transcriptome of the eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius) reveals high venom complexity in the intragenomic evolution of venoms". BMC Genomics. 14 (1): 531. doi:10.1186/1471-2164-14-531. ISSN 1471-2164. PMC 3750283. PMID 23915248.
  8. ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: "I Was Bitten - Flesh Eating Snakebite". YouTube.
  9. ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: "Stiletto Snake". YouTube.
  10. ^ "Snake That Can Stab Sideways With Fangs Sticking Out Corner of Its Mouth Discovered". Newsweek. March 12, 2019. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
  11. ^ "Beware of the Stiletto Snake - African Snakebite Institute". African Snakebite Institute. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
  12. ^ Atractaspididae at the TIGR Reptile Database
  13. ^ Kurnik, Daniel; Haviv, Yael; Kochva, Elazar (1999). "A snake bite by the Burrowing Asp, Atractaspis engaddensis". Toxicon. 37 (1): 223–227. doi:10.1016/S0041-0101(98)00166-4. PMID 9920494.
  14. ^ Deufel, Alexandra; Cundall, David (2003). "Feeding in Atractaspis (Serpentes: Atractaspididae): a study in conflicting functional constraints" (PDF). Zoology. 106 (1): 43–61. doi:10.1078/0944-2006-00088. PMID 16351890.
  15. ^ "Search results | the Reptile Database".

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Atractaspididae.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Atractaspididae&oldid=1219806109"