Spotted Mock Cobra
| Spotted Mock Cobra | ||||||||||||
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Spotted pseudo-cobra, unbanded color morphs |
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| Systematics | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Pseudonaja guttata | ||||||||||||
| ( Parker , 1926) |
The spotted mock cobra ( Pseudonaja guttata ), known in Australia as Speckled Brown Snake or Spotted Brown Snake, is a species of snake from the family of poisonous snakes (Elapidae) and belongs to the genus of brown snakes ( Pseudonaja ). There are no known subspecies .
features
The spotted pseudo cobra reaches a total length of 100 to 140 cm. The body is slim. The head is relatively short and hardly separates from the neck. The eyes are relatively large and have a round pupil when exposed to light. The body is variable in color. The basic color ranges from light brown to orange-brown. There are usually nine to eighteen broad, dark bands along the back. The ligaments can be reduced to dorsal patches or completely absent. The scales are smooth and, in monochrome specimens, often have dark edges. The inside of the mouth is bluish-black.
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).
Synonyms
The most important synonyms are:
- Demansia guttata Parker 1926
- Placidaserpens guttata Wells 2002
- Pseudonaja guttata whybrowi Hoser 2012
distribution
The distribution area includes areas within Australia in Northern Territory , Queensland and South Australia . Examples are the plains in central Queensland or the Barkly Tableland . The populated habitats are represented by tussock - existing bush and grassland. In the distribution area there is a tropical, subtropical, semi-arid to arid climate . The population of the spotted cobra is not considered endangered. It is not known how stable the populations are.
Way of life
The spotted pseudo-cobra leads a diurnal and largely ground-dwelling way of life. When the day is very hot, the activity phase is shifted to twilight and night. Deep crevices serve as hiding places. The range of prey includes reptiles (geckos, skinks), frogs and small mammals ( planigale , Ningaui ). The propagation is done by oviparity so oviparous. The clutch contains about 6 eggs.
When threatened, the snake quickly flees. When cornered, Pseudonaja guttata displays a defensive behavior that is characteristic of several Pseudonaja species. The front body is erected in an S-shape. When approaching, she defends herself with quick mock attacks or poisonous bites in order to flee as soon as possible.
Snake venom
The spotted mock cobra has an extremely effective poisonous secretion against humans . In the event of a poison bite, 50 mg (dry weight) of poison can be released. Poisoning occurs in 20 to 40% of bite accidents. If left untreated, the mortality is between 10 and 20%. The pharmacologically active components include pre- and postsynaptically active neurotoxins and substances that have an influence on hemostasis (procoagulants: prothrombin-activating enzymes ).
After a poison bite in humans, mild local symptoms at the bite site and unspecific general symptoms (e.g. headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting) can be assumed. Cardiac arrest occurring early is possible. Reports of neurotoxic symptoms with pronounced paralysis are rare; in theory, respiratory paralysis can occur. The main effects of poisoning are coagulopathy and hemorrhages . Secondary nephrotoxic and cardiotoxic effects can occur.
Antivenins are available for the treatment of poisoning ('Polyvalent Snake Antivenom (Australia - New Guinea)' and 'Brown Snake Antivenom' from the manufacturer CSL Limited ).
Individual evidence
- ↑ a b The Reptile Database: Pseudonaja guttata (accessed April 7, 2019)
- ↑ IUCN Red List: Pseudonaja guttata (accessed April 7, 2019)
- ↑ University of Adelaide, Clinical Toxinology Resources: Pseudonaja guttata (accessed April 7, 2019)
literature
- Swan, The Australian Museum: A Photographic Guide to Snakes & other Reptiles of Australia , New Holland Publishers, 1995.
