Two case reports of local envenoming by the Spotted grass snake, Psammophylax rhombeatus (Linnæus, 1758) (Serpentes, Psammophiidae). (May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ineich, Ivan; Girard, Francis; Ping, Tyrone; Reynes, Jordy; Weinstein, Scott A.
• Is Part Of: Toxicon. Volume 195(2021)
• Page Start: 24
• Page End: 28
• Publication Date: 2021-05
• Subjects: Non-front fanged snake -- Colubroid -- Psammophiidae -- Envenoming -- Snake bites -- Psammophylax rhombeatus -- Spotted grass snake -- Rhombic skaapsteker; Toxins -- Periodicals; Venom -- Periodicals; 615.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.02.013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0041-0101

Abstract

Abstract: Two cases of bites by a South African psammophiid snake, Psammophylax rhombeatus, are described and analyzed. These are the first detailed reports of local envenoming by a Psammophylax spp. While handling a wild-collected 1 m P. rhombeatus, the snake inflicted a protracted bite proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joint of digit #5, left hand of a 24−year-old male amateur herpetologist. Local edema persisted for three days, but no pain or other signs or symptoms including non-specific autonomic effects (e.g. headache, nausea) occurred. In a second case, a 28−year-old male herpetologist-photographer was repositioning a 0.58 m female P. rhombeatus in order to photograph the snake and her egg clutch, when the snake bit the metacarpophalangeal joint of digit #5, left hand, and briefly advanced its jaws. The bite caused mild local pain, progressive edema of the left hand, and arthralgia; resolution required almost 1 week. Bites from non-front-fanged snakes such as these by P. rhombeatus are uncommonly reported in comparison with those described for front-fanged snakes (e.g. Viperidae, Elapidae). Therefore, documentation of bites even with minimal effects provides information essential for the construction of an accurate medical risk profile for these less-known species. Highlights: Historical review of anecdotal reported bites caused by Psammophylax spp. Brief inventory of the genus Psammophylax (Psammophiidae). Description of two cases of local envenoming by the spotted grass snake or Skaapsteker, Psammophylax rhombeatus . Victims reported similar progressive local edema, functional limitation of manual dexterity, and resolution within 1 week.