Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
(A)
(B)
(D)
(C)
(E)
(F)
Plate 4.23
(A-C) Coin snake or Asian racer (
Hemorrhois nummifer
).
The colubrid genus,
Hemorrhois
, consists of approximately four species that variously range from Europe and
North Africa through the Middle East to northwest Asia and the Indian subcontinent. In parts
of the Mediterranean (e.g., Cyprus) they are considered mimics of the blunt-nosed viper,
Macrovipera lebetina
(see
Plate 4.72
). All are fast-moving snakes, and can be found in dry,
arid, sparsely vegetated terrain, especially rocky escarpments. Some taxa (e.g.,
H. ravergieri
)
are often found at elevations between 1200 and 3600 m. To date, reported bites by
Hemorrhois
spp., such as
H. nummifer
, have been medically insignificant (see Plate 4.23D-F).
(D-F) Mild local effects of a bite by a coin snake (
Hemorrhois nummifer
), Israel.
The
male victim was bitten while working with a captive specimen (see Plate 4.23C). The victim
reported only transient mild pain, erythema, and brief, scant bleeding. These are the most
commonly documented effects of bites by non-front-fanged colubroid snakes.
This victim also had brief induration at the wound site (D-F). Plate 4.23A and B, Symi,
Greece, photo copyright to Matt Wilson; Plate 4.23C, Israel; Plate 4.23D-F, photos copyright
to Tomer Beker.
