Suta fasciata
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| ( Rosén , 1905) |
Suta fasciata , sometimes referred to in German as rose-banded viper or rose snake , is a species of snake from the family of poisonous snakes (Elapidae) and belongs to the genus Suta . The first scientific description was made by Nils Valfrid Rosén in 1905 under the name Denisonia fasciata . There are noknown subspecies .
features
Suta fasciata reaches a total length of 61.5 cm, on average 38 to 39 cm are reached. The body is strongly built. The head is relatively flat, broad and clearly set off from the neck. The eyes have a vertically elliptical pupil. The upper side of the body has an orange-brown, yellow-brown or pale gray basic color as well as a pattern of irregular spots of dark brown to blackish color. The individual spots can be fused together. A dark band of the temples can be seen between the nostril, eye and middle of the neck. The ventral side is cream-colored or whitish in color. 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:
- 17 to 19 rows of smooth trunk scales ( Scuta dorsalia ),
- 144 to 182 abdominal shields ( scuta ventralia ),
- 20 to 38 under tail shields ( Scuta subcaudalia ) and
- 1 undivided anal shield ( scutum anale ).
distribution
The distribution area is in Western Australia , a federal state of Australia . Settled biotopes are diverse and include dry bushland as well as more humid habitats. Suta fasciata is often found in forest stands with Acacia aneura or other acacia species.
Way of life
Suta fasciata leads a ground-dwelling and largely crepuscular and nocturnal way of life. Rocks, stones, tree stumps, bark or old termite structures can serve as hiding places. The prey spectrum of the species includes lizards , primarily skinks and agamas . The propagation is done by ovoviviparity , so egg-viviparous. A litter includes three to seven living juvenile snakes, which measure approximately 12 cm at birth. When threatened, the snake flees. If she is cornered or grabbed, she defends herself with violent body movements and bites.
Snake venom
The composition and pharmacology of the poisonous secretion of Suta fasciata are largely unknown. Presumably venom bites of the species are not life threatening. Mostly only local symptoms (e.g. swelling , pain) occur. A medical assessment should nevertheless be carried out, as rare systemic effects of the toxins or possible complications cannot be ruled out. An antivenin is not available.
Individual evidence
- ↑ University of Adelaide, Clinical Toxinology Resources: Suta fasciata (accessed June 26, 2018)
literature
- Ludwig Trutnau: Snakes in the Terrarium Vol. 2: Poisonous snakes . Verlag Ulmer, Stuttgart 1998, ISBN 3-800-1705-23 .
Web links
- AROD.com.au: Suta fasciata , article including photo
- Suta fasciata in The Reptile Database