Yellow-headed whip snake
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Yellow-headed whip snake ( Demansia psammophis ) |
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| ( Schlegel , 1837) |
The yellow-headed whip snake ( Demansia psammophis ) is a species of snake from the poisonous snake family and belongs to the genus Demansia .
features
The yellow-headed whip snake has a slim build. A total length of between 80 and 130 cm is achieved. The head is elongated and only slightly separates from the neck. The relatively large eyes have a round pupil when exposed to light. On the top the body is covered by 15 rows of smooth scales (reduced to 13 rows in front of the cloaca). The anal shield ( scutum anale ) is divided. The body has a variable color. The back and body are olive-brown to gray in color and are single-colored or darkly spotted. Towards the back of the body, the color changes to red-brown. The ventral side is yellow to yellow-green. A yellowish border is visible around the eyes. A comma-like, black spot can be seen between the eye and the corner of the mouth.
Poison apparatus
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). Little is known about the pharmacology and composition of the poisonous secretion of Demansia psammophis . A poison bite is rated as hardly dangerous for healthy adults and is usually associated with local symptoms (pain, edema ) and various general symptoms.
Subspecies
There are two known subspecies:
- Demansia psammophis cupreiceps Storr 1978
- Demansia psammophis psammophis ( Schlegel , 1837)
Demansia reticulata is largely recognized as a separate species, but is sometimes stilllistedin the literature as a subspecies of Demansia psammophis .
distribution
The distribution area of Demansia psammophis extends within Australia over areas in New South Wales , Northern Territory , Queensland , South Australia , Victoria and Western Australia . It is absent in the tropical north of Australia and in montane regions and swamps. In addition, the populated habitats are diverse and include coastal forests, dry and moist hardwood forests, savannahs, sandstone areas and bushland with a partly arid climate . The species is not considered endangered and the population is stable.
Way of life
Demansia psammophis leads a largely ground-dwelling and diurnal way of life and is often found under flat stones, boards, metal sheets or the like. In warm weather, she can regularly be seen outdoors while sunbathing or foraging for food. The range of prey primarily includes lizards. Sometimes, however, other snakes, small mammals, birds or frogs are also captured. Prey animals can be tracked quickly and easily. Demansia psammophis reaches sexual maturity around 20 months of age. Mating occurs in spring or summer. At around 24 months of age, the females create a clutch for the first time. The propagation is done by oviparity so oviparous. The clutch consists of 4 to 9, on average 6 eggs. It has been reported that different females of Demansia psammophis lay their clutch in the same place. Between five and six hundred eggs of the species were found in a clearing of 80 m 2 south of Gympie . The eggs were under rubble at a depth of about 30 to 60 cm. Young snakes measure 15 to 18 cm when they hatch.
Synonyms
The most important synonyms are:
- Elaps psammophis Schlegel , 1837
- Pseudelaps psammophidius Duméril , Bibron & Duméril 1854
- Diemenia psammophis Boulenger 1896
- Demansia reticulata cupreiceps Storr 1978
Individual evidence
- ↑ a b University of Adelaide, Clinical Toxinology Resources: Demansia psammophis (accessed April 17, 2019)
- ↑ a b The Reptile Database: Demansia psammophis (accessed April 17, 2019)
- ↑ a b IUCN Red List: Demansia psammophis (accessed April 17, 2019)
literature
- Swan, The Australian Museum: A Photographic Guide to Snakes & other Reptiles of Australia , New Holland Publishers, 1995.
- Ludwig Trutnau: Snakes in the terrarium. Volume 2: Venomous Snakes . Verlag Ulmer, Stuttgart 1998, ISBN 3-800-1705-23 .
