Deinagkistrodon
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| Deinagkistrodon acutus (Günther, 1888) |
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Common names: sharp-nosed viper, snorkel viper, hundred pacer,[2] hundred-pace viper.
Deinagkistrodon is a monotypic genus[3] created for a venomous pit viper species, D. acutus, found in Southeast Asia.[1] No subspecies are currently recognized.[4]
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[edit] Description
Adults grow to an average length of 91-121 cm, with the largest specimens reaching 152 cm. The head has a pronounced soft "horn" on the snout, the length of which varies. It is because of this rostral appendage that the species is sometimes referred to as a "snorkel viper."[2]
The color pattern consists of a grayish or reddish brown ground color overlaid with a series of brown or reddish brown lateral triangles with grey or beige centers. These join middorsally giving the appearance of alternating triangles of different colors. The head is dark brown on top and beige or pinkish on the sides.[2]
[edit] Geographic range
Found in southern China (Chekiang, Fukien, Hunan, Hupeh, Kwantung), Taiwan, northern Vietnam and possibly Laos. The type locality was not included in the original description. It was later given as "Wusueh [Wu-hsueh], Hupeh Province, China" by Pratt (1892) and Pope (1935). Listed as "Mountains N. of Kiu Kiang" in the catalogue of the British Museum of Natural History.[1]
[edit] Habitat
Found on forested mountain slopes, rock-strewn hillsides and brushy valleys.[2]
[edit] Behavior
This species is mostly active at night or in the evening and spends the day coiled in sheltering rock ledges, among fallen leaves or bracken, in hollow logs and other places where its color pattern keeps it camouflaged.[2]
[edit] Feeding
The diet consists of small mammals, birds and frogs.[2]
[edit] Reproduction
As one of the few oviparous pit vipers, D. acutus can lay up to 24 eggs, which may be retained during initial incubation -- an adaptation that shortens post-deposition incubation time. Hatchlings are lighter and more vividly patterned than the adults, but this darkens considerably with age.[2]
[edit] Venom
Dangerous animals often have exaggerated reputations and this species is no exception. The popular name "hundred pacer" refers to a local belief that, after being bitten, the victim will only be able to walk 100 paces before expiring. In areas where the snake is regarded as even more venomous, it has been called the "fifty pacer." Nevertheless, this species is considered dangerous and fatalities are not unusual. An antivenin is produced in Taiwan.[2]
Brown (1973) mentions a venom yield of up to 214 mg (dried) and LD50 (toxicity) values of 0.04 mg/kg IV, 4.0 mg/kg IP and 9.2-10.0 mg/kg SC.[5]
[edit] In popular culture
The snake is also sold as a meal in some Taiwanese restaurants, served with the venom as a drink, pills floating in both the drink and in the snake. The pills are said to counteract the venom.
[edit] Cited references
- ^ a b c d McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T. 1999. Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, vol. 1. Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN 1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN 1-893777-01-4 (volume).
- ^ a b c d e f g h Mehrtens JM. 1987. Living Snakes of the World in Color. New York: Sterling Publishers. 480 pp. ISBN 0-8069-6460-X.
- ^ Deinagkistrodon (TSN 634413). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Accessed on 3 November 2006.
- ^ Deinagkistrodon acutus (TSN 634883). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Accessed on 3 November 2006.
- ^ Brown JH. 1973. Toxicology and Pharmacology of Venoms from Poisonous Snakes. Springfield, Illinois: Charles C. Thomas. 184 pp. LCCCN 73-229. ISBN 0-398-02808-7.
[edit] External links
- Species Deinagkistrodon acutus at the Species2000 Database
