Pseudechis butleri
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| Pseudechis butleri | ||||||||||||
| Smith , 1892 |
Pseudechis butleri , known in Australia as Spotted Mulga Snake or Butler's Snake (Butler's Snake), is a species of snake belonging to the poisonous snake familyand belongs to the genus of the black otter ( Pseudechis ). There are noknown subspecies .
features
Pseudechis butleri has a strong build. A total length of between 100 and 160 cm is achieved. The head is slightly separated from the neck. The relatively small eyes have a round pupil when exposed to light. The body has a basic black color. Scales with a yellowish center form an irregular pattern of spots. A few light spots can be seen on the head and neck, which can also be missing. The muzzle and sides of the head are reddish-brown. The belly is yellowish.
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).
distribution
The distribution area of Pseudechis butleri extends within Australia over areas in the center of Western Australia . The populated habitats are characterized by an arid climate . The biotopes have stony or rocky soils and are determined by forests and bushes with stands of mulga ( Acacia aneura ). The species is not considered endangered and the population is stable.
Way of life
Pseudechis butleri leads a largely ground-dwelling and diurnal lifestyle. At high temperatures, the activity phase is shifted to twilight and night. Animal structures in the ground, dead wood or rocks serve as shelters. The range of prey primarily includes lizards ( Ctenophorus and Tiliqua species), but other snakes and small mammals are also sometimes preyed on. The propagation is done by oviparity so oviparous. The eggs are laid in December. The clutch contains 7 to 12 eggs. The hatching of the young snakes takes place after 65 to 80 days with incubation (30 ° C).
Snake venom
The poison secretion of Pseudechis butleri contains basic and acidic phospholipase A2 enzymes, amino acid oxidases , metalloproteinases (Snake venom metalloproteinases), 5'-nucleotidases , Cysteine-rich secretory protein , Venom Nerve Growth Factors and postsynaptically effective neurotoxins . Phospholipases act systemically as myotoxins and are responsible for anticoagulant properties. Neurotoxic components are not clinically significant. In humans, intoxication occurs in around 40 to 60% of bite cases . The mortality rate without adequate therapy is 30 to 40%. 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. A necrosis at the bite site is rare. The manufacturer CSL Limited provides various antivenins ('Black Snake Antivenom' and 'Polyvalent Snake Antivenom (Australia - New Guinea)') for treating the venom bite .
Individual evidence
- ↑ The Reptile Database: Pseudechis butleri (accessed April 13, 2019)
- ↑ a b c IUCN Red List: Pseudechis butleri (accessed April 13, 2019)
- ↑ Georgieva et al. (2017): Protein Profile Analysis of Two Australian Snake Venoms by One-Dimensional Gel Electrophoresis and MS / MS Experiments. Curr Med Chem.
- ↑ University of Adelaide, Clinical Toxinology Resources: Pseudechis butleri (accessed April 13, 2019)
literature
- Swan, The Australian Museum: A Photographic Guide to Snakes & other Reptiles of Australia , New Holland Publishers, 1995.