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Plate 4.90 European or Caspian whip snake ( Dolicophis caspius ). Like other colubrine
taxa (e.g., Hierophis , Platyceps , Hemmorhois ) previously included in the genus Coluber , this
fast-moving species of the genus Dolicophis has a generalized diet including lizards, small
mammals, nestling birds, etc. It is found in Eastern Europe and Russia. There are no known
medically significant bites by this species.
Photo copyright to Daniel Jablonski.
viper, Macrovipera lebetina , Plate 4.72 ) could be contemplated with the acquisition
of further detail/evidence (see Section 4.4.5).
As in any case of a bite inflicted by an ophidian species of unknown importance,
a proviso must be raised regarding the possibility of undocumented clinically signifi-
cant toxic potential. However, based on available data, this case cannot be utilized as
evidence of any medical risk from H. viridiflavus .
Assessment of H. viridiflavus based on available evidence: Insufficient to
assign a specific ranking; likely Hazard Level 3/4 [Most bites feature uncompli-
cated local effects (typically, mild bleeding, limited edema, pain, etc.). Larger speci-
mens may produce more extensive local effects].
4.4.7 “Venomous” Bites by Nonvenomous Lizards?
Although two species of venomous lizards (Family, Helodermatidae), the Gila mon-
ster ( Heloderma suspectum ) and beaded lizard ( Heloderma horridum ), 17 have caused
life-threatening envenomations, recent reports have described toxins and/or toxin
transcripts in oral secretions of some lizards of several families including Iguanidae
(iguanas and their allies), Agamidae (chisel-toothed lizards), and Varanidae
(monitors and goannas; Fry et al., 2006, 2009b). One of these, the Komodo moni-
tor or dragon ( Varanus komodoensis ), the largest extant lizard species [reaching
17 For reviews and discussion of the biology of Heloderma , their venoms, and the rare envenomations by
these inoffensive lizards, see Bogert and Del Campo (1956), Mebs (2002), Campbell and Lamar (2004),
and Beck (2005).
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