Kingdom Animalia Subphylum Vertebrata Suborder Serpentes Scientific name Pseudechis butleri Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Order Squamata Family Elapidae Higher classification Pseudechis | |
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Similar Pseudechis, Snake, Elapidae, Reptile, Pseudechis papuanus | ||
Pseudechis butleri is a species of venomous elapid snake endemic to Western Australia. It is a member of the Pseudechis genus, dangerously venomous snakes that can intimidate an opponent by raising the head and presenting a hood. This cobra-like threat display is supported by the ability to produce a very large amount of venom.
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Common names
Common names for P. butleri include spotted mulga, Butler's snake, and Butler's black snake.
Description
Pseudechis butleri is similar to Pseudechis australis, the larger common mulga snake, which also occurs in its range. However, P. butleri is spotted and does not exceed a total length (including tail) of 1.6 m (5.2 ft). The snout to vent length (SVL) is up to 1.41 m (4.6 ft). The dorsum of the body is speckled with black, but is mainly covered in yellow or brownish scales with black edges.
Geographic range & habitat
The distribution of the species is within the Murchison region of Western Australia, where it occurs in Acacia woodlands on stony and loamy soils, and occasionally amongst rocks. Specimens of this West Australian endemic species have been recorded in Mullewa in the north, as far west as Leonora, and to the east near Laverton, all in Western Australia.
Venom
The venom contains systemic myotoxins. Treatment for positive envenomation is the same as for P. australis, using a black snake antivenom.
Etymology
The generic name, Pseudechis, suggests a similarity to the African-Asian vipers of the genus Echis. The specific epithet, butleri, commemorates Australian naturalist William Henry "Harry" Butler.