Spotted black otter

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Spotted black otter
Systematics
Subordination : Snakes (serpentes)
Superfamily : Adder-like and viper-like (Colubroidea)
Family : Poison Snakes (Elapidae)
Subfamily : Hydrophiinae
Genre : Black otters ( pseudechis )
Type : Spotted black otter
Scientific name
Pseudechis guttatus
De Vis , 1905

The spotted black otter ( Pseudechis guttatus ) is a species of snake from the poisonous snake family and belongs to the genus of the black otter ( Pseudechis ). There are no known subspecies .

features

The spotted black otter has a stocky, strong build. A total length of between 125 and 150 cm, rarely up to 200 cm, is achieved. The head is only slightly separated from the neck. The relatively small eyes have a round pupil when exposed to light. The body has a variable color. The basic color is mostly black. The back scales show a light, cream-colored center. Other color morphs are monochrome lacquer black or light with a cream-colored back and sides. In light color morphs, the back scales have a black border. The ventral side is blue-gray and often spotted with cream color. Young snakes are silvery-gray with a darker head.

As is typical for venomous snakes, the venom apparatus consists of venom glands located on the side of the skull (specialized salivary glands) and immobile fangs located in the anterior upper jaw (proteroglyphic tooth position).

Pholidosis

The pholidosis (scaling) shows the following characteristics:

Synonyms

The most important synonyms are:

  • Pseudechis mortonensis De Vis
  • Pseudechis colletti guttatus

distribution

The distribution area of Pseudechis guttatus extends within Australia over areas from southeast Queensland to northern New South Wales . The populated habitats are represented by forests near the coast, relatively dry inland plains as well as areas near bodies of water and temporarily flooded.

Way of life

Pseudechis guttatus leads a largely soil-dwelling and diurnal way of life. At high temperatures, the activity phase is shifted to twilight and night. Animal structures in the ground, dead wood or crevices serve as shelters. The prey spectrum includes frogs, reptiles and small mammals. Pseudechis guttatus can often be found under metal sheets, railway sleepers, or litter in the open. The snake is shy of humans. When threatened, the body is curled into contraction while the animal hisses and flattens the front body. If the provocation persists, she defends herself with bites.

The propagation is done by oviparity so oviparous. The clutch comprises 7 to 13 eggs. Development in the egg takes 11 to 8 weeks. The young snakes measure around 38 cm when hatching.

Snake venom

The poison secretion of Pseudechis guttatus contains systemically effective mytoxins and anticoagulant substances. Neurotoxic components are not clinically significant. One poison bite can release 32 mg of poisonous secretion. In animal experiments (mouse, sc ), a mean lethal dose of 2.13 mg / kg was determined. In humans, intoxication occurs in around 40 to 60% of bite cases . In addition to non-specific general symptoms (e.g. headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting), local pain and edema , myolysis , coagulopathy and secondary kidney failure are in the foreground. For the therapy of the venom bite, the manufacturer CSL Limited provides various antivenins ('Black Snake Antivenom', 'Tiger Snake Antivenom' and 'Polyvalent Snake Antivenom (Australia - New Guinea)').

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ a b The Reptile Database: Pseudechis guttatus (accessed April 13, 2019)
  2. ↑ University of Adelaide, Clinical Toxinology Resources: Pseudechis guttatus (accessed April 13, 2019)

literature

  • Ludwig Trutnau: Snakes in the Terrarium Vol. 2: Poisonous snakes . Verlag Ulmer, Stuttgart 1998, ISBN 3-800-1705-23 .
  • Swan, The Australian Museum: A Photographic Guide to Snakes & other Reptiles of Australia , New Holland Publishers, 1995.

Web links