Collett's snake

Collett's snake is one of several species in the genus Pseudechis commonly known as black snakes. A study of mitochondrial DNA showed it to be most closely related to the blue-bellied black snake (P. guttatus), with the Papuan black snake (P. papuanus) as the next closest relative to the pair.{{Cite journal|url=http://biology.bangor.ac.uk/%7Ebss166/Publications/2004_OzElapids_MPE.pdf|title=Snakes across the Strait: Trans-Torresian phylogeographic relationships in three genera of Australasian snakes (Serpentes: Elapidae: Acanthophis, Oxyuranus and Pseudechis).|vauthors=Wüster W, Dumbrell AJ, Hay C, Pook CE, Williams DJ, Fry BG|date=2005|journal=Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution|volume=34|issue=1|pages=1–14|doi=10.1016/j.ympev.2004.08.018|pmid=15579378|access-date=2012-04-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070203010221/http://biology.bangor.ac.uk/~bss166/Publications/2004_OzElapids_MPE.pdf|archive-date=2007-02-03|url-status=dead}}

Belgian-born British zoologist George Albert Boulenger described the species P. colletti in 1902,{{cite journal|author=Boulenger GA|author-link=George Albert Boulenger|date=1902|title=Description of a new Snake of the Genus Pseudechis from Queensland|journal=Annals and Magazine of Natural History |series=Seventh Series|volume=10|pages=494–495|doi=10.1080/00222930208678709|url=http://biostor.org/reference/57690}} (Pseudechis colletti, new species). naming it in honour of Norwegian zoologist Robert Collett.Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. {{ISBN|978-1-4214-0135-5}}. (Pseudechis colletti, p. 56).{{cite book|author1=Beolens, Bo|author2=Watkins, Michael|author3=Grayson, Michael|title=The Eponym Dictionary of Mammals|publisher=JHU Press|date=2009|pages=82|isbn=978-0-8018-9304-9|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=I-kSmWLc6vYC&dq=%22Pseudechis+colletti%22&pg=PA82}} A young snake had been collected by Collett, and Boulenger had noted its scale pattern to be distinct from the Papuan black snake.

The most colourful member of the black snake genus Pseudechis, Collett's snake has dark brown to black upperparts, with pink or cream banding and sides, and pale yellow to orange underparts.{{cite book|last=Gow|first=Graeme|author-link=species:Graeme Francis Gow|title=Complete Guide to Australian Snakes|publisher=Angus and Robertson|date=1989|page=121|isbn=0-207-15806-1}} The irregular bands are usually cross-shaped and are generally an orange-red colour. The underbelly is normally the same colour as the bands, but may have varied discolourations or discoloured patches. Juveniles are usually the same colour as adults but generally have brighter shades and contrast more. It is similar in physical structure (but not appearance) to the red-bellied black snake.

Collett's snake is usually between {{convert|1.8|–|2.2|m|ft|abbr=on}} in total length (including tail). Males can reach up to {{convert|2.6|m|ft|abbr=on}} in total length, while females can reach up to {{convert|2.1|m|ft|abbr=on}}. At birth, it is usually {{convert|30|cm|ft|abbr=on}} in total length.

Previously thought to be only moderately venomous to people, Collett's snake is now known to have been responsible for severe envenomation, with cases proceeding to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury. Toxicity and symptoms of the venom resemble that of the mulga snake (P. australis). Early symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea and headache, an anticoagulant coagulopathy, with risk of rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury within 24 hours if fluid replacement and black snake antivenom are not given.{{Cite journal|vauthors= Isbister GK, Hooper MR, Dowsett R, Maw G, Murray L, White J|title=Collett's snake (Pseudechis colletti ) envenoming in snake handlers|doi=10.1093/qjmed/hcl007|journal=QJM: An International Journal of Medicine|volume=99|issue=2|pages=109–115|year=2005|pmid=16434468|doi-access=free}} Despite the danger, its attractive markings have led it to being a popular snake in captivity.

The venom produced by Collett's snake is similar to the Papuan black snake's and mulga snake's venom.{{cite web |url=http://www.avru.org/general/general_colletts.html |title=Collett's Snake |access-date=2007-12-28 |author=Australian Venom Research Unit}} The venom is cytotoxic and has haemolytic activity. Neurotoxins may also be found in its venom as well. P. colletti produces about 30 milligrams of venom in one strike. Black snake or tiger snake anti-venom can be administered. It is the world's nineteenth most venomous snake.

Collett's snake is found in central western Queensland, and is diurnal. It is primarily found to the west of Queensland and spreading from the north to south. It is found in dry-barren areas or plains.

The main diet of Collett's snake consists of amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals. They threaten many local geckos such as the dubious dtella. Cannibalism is also known to occur in Collett's snake.

Mating of P. colletti occurs from early August to late October. Collett's snake is oviparous and may lay up to 20 eggs in a clutch. Reproduction in captivity is known to be highly successful.

{{Reflist}}

• [http://www.venomousreptiles.org/articles/44 Venomous Reptiles]
• [http://www.toxinology.com/generic_static_files/cslavh_antivenom_black.html Anti-Venom Handbook]

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Category:Pseudechis

Category:Snakes of Australia

Category:Reptiles described in 1902

Category:Reptiles of Queensland