Spotted mulga snake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spotted mulga snake |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pseudechis
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| Species: |
butleri
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The spotted mulga snake (Pseudechis butleri) is a type of venomous snake. It belongs to the Elapidae family. This snake lives only in Western Australia. It is part of the Pseudechis group. These snakes are known for being very venomous. They can scare off enemies by lifting their head and showing a hood. This move is like what a cobra does. They can also make a lot of venom.
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About the Spotted Mulga Snake
The spotted mulga snake was first described in 1982. A scientist named Laurie Smith studied many snakes. He found that some snakes, thought to be Pseudechis australis (the king brown snake), were actually a new species. He named this new snake Pseudechis butleri.
The idea of a new snake species in this area was first noted in 1957. Another scientist, Ludwig Glauert, saw some differences. But he did not have enough snakes to be sure. Laurie Smith later confirmed it.
What's in a Name?
This snake has a few common names. People call it Butler's black snake, Butler's snake, and spotted mulga snake.
The first part of its scientific name, Pseudechis, means it looks like the Echis vipers from Africa and Asia. The second part, butleri, honors a naturalist named W. H. "Harry" Butler. He worked hard to protect nature.
What Does the Spotted Mulga Snake Look Like?
The spotted mulga snake is a large, front-fanged venomous snake. It is similar to the common mulga snake (P. australis). The common mulga snake is bigger and lives in many of the same areas.
However, the spotted mulga snake has special markings. It has yellow or yellow-green spots on its scales. It usually grows up to 1.6 meters (about 5 feet) long. Its tail is about 15% of its total length.
Most of its upper body has yellow or brownish scales with black bases. But its head and neck are usually completely black. Its head is wide and a bit bigger than its body.
How to Tell Them Apart
You can easily tell the spotted mulga snake from other snakes in its group. Look at its colors and the number of scales on its belly.
The common mulga snake has reddish-brown scales. It has creamy edges on the lower part of its body. The spotted mulga snake has black-based scales with bright yellow.
The spotted mulga snake also has fewer belly scales. It has 189–207 belly scales. The common mulga snake has 204–216 belly scales. The yellow color on its belly scales is also different. The red-bellied black snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus) has pink or red belly scales.
Where Does the Spotted Mulga Snake Live?
The spotted mulga snake lives in the Murchison region of Western Australia. It is an endemic species, meaning it lives only there.
You can find it in Acacia woodlands. It likes stony and loamy soils. Sometimes, it lives among rocks. This snake has been seen in places like Mullewa in the north. It has also been found as far south as Leonora. And it lives to the east near Laverton.
Venom and Safety
The venom of the spotted mulga snake contains special toxins called myotoxins. These can affect muscles.
If someone is bitten by a spotted mulga snake, they need medical help right away. The treatment is the same as for a bite from a common mulga snake. Doctors use a black snake antivenom to treat the bite.
