Hydrodynastes gigas
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| Hydrodynastes gigas (Duméril, Bibron, & Duméril, 1854) |
Common names: false water cobra, false cobra, South American water cobra,[1] Brazilian smooth snake.
Hydrodynastes gigas is a venomous colubrid species found in South America. No subspecies are currently recognized.[2]
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[edit] Description
May exceed 3 m in total length.[1] The common name false water cobra is an allusion to its ability to flatten its head, similar to a cobra as a defensive reaction to make it look larger and more intimidating.
[edit] Behavior
Primarily a diurnal species, this is an extremely active and inquisitive species with an aggressive feeding response.
[edit] Venom
The posterior maxillary teeth of is species are enlarged and the Duvernoy's gland produces a secretion with high proteolytic activity. Besides the ability of this large and powerful snake to inflict mechanical trauma, there have been numerous cases of local envenomation and perhaps hypersensitivity, most of which have gone unreported. Prolonged chewing bites may result in painful (sometimes extensive and persistent) swelling, as well as bruising.[1] Nevertheless, the species is sometimes kept as a pet.
Manning et al. (1999) described a case in which an 18-year-old male pet store employee was bitten on the wrist by a specimen that hung on for 1.5 minutes. There was some mild swelling as a result, but after nine hours the victim claims to have experienced three bouts of muscle paralysis, during which he fell and was unable to move or speak. However, a medical examination did not produce any unusual results. It's possible the symptoms described were the result of anxiety.[1]
[edit] Taxonomy
This species, together with H. bisinctus, were once considered to be a single species, Cyclagras gigas. Some sources still refer to both as H. gigas.
[edit] Cited references
- ^ a b c d Warrell DA. 2004. Snakebites in Central and South America: Epidemiology, Clinical Features, and Clinical Management. In Campbell JA, Lamar WW. 2004. The Venomous Reptiles of the Western Hemisphere. Comstock Publishing Associates, Ithaca and London. 870 pp. 1500 plates. ISBN 0-8014-4141-2.
- ^ Hydrodynastes gigas (TSN 701117). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Accessed on 9 February 2007.
[edit] External links
- Species Hydrodynastes gigas at the Species2000 Database.
- Hydrodynastes gigas at Herpbreeder. Accessed 9 February 2007.
