Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Plate 4.81
Balkan whip snake or Balkan racer
(
Hierophis gemonensis
).
Another former
member of the genus
Coluber
, this fast-moving, active colubrine species ranges from
Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania, Montenegro, and into southern Greece. It
is reportedly a threatened species due to habitat loss. There are no documented medically
significant bites by this species.
Photo copyright to Daniel Jablonski.
maxillary teeth, nor gross enlargement of these teeth (SAW, personal observations).
Fry et al. (2008) reported that the dentition of
C. constrictor
had a smooth surface.
Duvernoy's glands of
C. constrictor
and
C.
(
Hemorrhois
)
ravergieri
were similar
in size. Although the gland of
C. constrictor
had a moderately thick capsule, that of
C. ravergieri
was thin, but both species had moderate numbers of thin trabeculae and
a lumen was noted in about 50% of tubules in the gland (Taub, 1967). Both species
lacked mucous cells in the glands, but had a supralabial mucous gland associated
with their Duvernoy's glands. The Duvernoy's glands were moderately vascular and
comprised of columnar cells (Taub, 1967). Fry et al. (2008) reported that the “venom
glands” (Duvernoy's glands) of
C. constrictor
had a relatively large ovate duct, con-
tained isolated mucous cells/patches and possessed a “venom duct” that opened
only into the oral cavity. As discussed later (see pp. 150-153, section 4.4.7, and the
Summary and Conclusions section), it is essential to avoid inappropriate and pre-
mature use of terminology (e.g. “venom glands”, “venom duct”) implying unproven
biological function of oral secretions from species such as
C. constrictor
. As noted,
this also popularly and incorrectly may be mis-interpreted as as suggesting potential
medical significance. To date, there is no detailed information about dentition or spe-
cific morphology of Duvernoy's glands of
Hierophis
spp. or
Platyceps
spp.
4.2.5.2 Summary of the Toxinology and Duvernoy's Secretion Properties of
Hemorrhois
spp.,
Platyceps
spp.,
Hierophis
spp., and
Coluber
spp.
The yield, toxicity, and components of Duvernoy's secretions from these species are
unknown. Bites by these taxa typically feature mild effects without any significant
sequelae.
