Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
(D)
(E)
(C)
(G)
(F)
(A-C) Cape twig, bird or vine snake (
T. capensis
).
The specimens
shown in Plate 4.56A and B are poised in defensive threat displays that are accomplished by
inflation of the throat. Incorrect assumptions about this hazard level 1 colubrid species such as it
being “harmless” or “mildly toxic” may have contributed to some of the fatal or life-threatening
envenomations by this species. There is no commercial antivenom for bites from this species,
and envenomations are treated with replacement therapy only (see Sections 4.3 and 4.6).
(A)
Thelotornis capensis
, South Africa.
(B) Oates' twig, bird or vine snake; Oates' savannah twig snake (
T. capensis oatesii
),
northern Zimbabwe.
Although there are few published reports of bites from subspecies
of
Thelotornis
, a well-documented envenomation by
T. c. oatesii
resulted in bleeding
complications, defibrination, prolonged prothrombin, and partial thromboplastin times.
(C) Enlarged posterior maxillary teeth in a living specimen of
T. capensis
, South Africa.
As noted in
D. typus
, these enlarged teeth have deep grooves running almost the entire length,
and sharp lateral ridges.
(D-G) Mozambique twig, vine or bird snake (
T. mossamibicanus
), Gede, Kenya.
Although
there are no documented envenomations by this taxon, it is likely to be as dangerous as
T.
capensis
and
T. kirtlandii
. This species is infrequently illustrated.
Plate 4.56A-G, photos copyright to David A. Warrell.
Plate 4.56
(
Continued
)
