Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Plate 4.50
African tiger snake (
Telescopus semiannulatus
), Kenya.
The colubrine genus
Telescopus
contains approximately 12 species.
Telescopus semiannulatus
is a small (
90 cm
in length) colorful snake most commonly found with a cross-barred pattern that is native
to central, eastern, and southern Africa (Congo, Tanzania, South Africa). Although
in vitro
studies of its Duvernoy's secretion have detected postsynaptic neurotoxic activity, to date,
bites have resulted in only mild local effects (e.g., minor pain and swelling).
Photo copyright to David A. Warrell.
(A)
Plate 4.51
(A-C) South American house snake (
Thamnodynastes strigilis
), Instituto
Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil.
This crepuscular semiarboreal tachymenine species feeds
on lizards, anurans, and opportunistically on small mammals. Most documented bites by
members of this genus have described only mild local effects. However, one case included
more extensive edema and pain (see
Table 4.1
). Plate 4.51C shows an enlarged posterior
maxillary tooth in a
T. strigilis
specimen.
