What is pit viper envenomation?

Crotalidae, colloquially known as pit vipers, are venomous snakes found throughout the continental United States and Canada. Crotalidae envenomation represents an uncommon but clinically important illness that can result in significant morbidity and rarely mortality.

Is hump nosed viper venomous?

Hump nosed viper is now classified as a highly venomous snake along with cobra, krait, russell’s viper and saw scaled viper[2]. Hump nosed viper bite, unlike other species of snake bites, the occurrence of systemic effects is rare and unpredictable.

Can you survive a fer de lance bite?

Douglas March a well-known herpetologist died after being bitten by a fer-de-lance. However, even with its high venom yield and huge fangs (around 1 inch in large females), the species has a low mortality rate around 1 to 2%.

Why are they called pit vipers?

The name pit vipers comes from heat-sensing glands (pits) located on either side of the triangle-shaped head (Figure 8-27). The fangs of pit vipers are hollow and can deliver a dose of venom deep into tissues.

How many snakes are in Sri Lanka?

There are 294 species of snakes in the world and 96 are found in Sri Lanka. Of these, 50 species are endemic to the island. There are 13 species of sea snakes and 10 species of blind snakes in Sri Lanka.

What are signs of envenomation?

Bites are painful and the symptoms and signs of envenomation (for example, hyperexcitability, local sweating, colic or abdominal stiffness, fasciculation, muscular weakness, tachycardia, and palpitations) develop slowly. The venom is complex but the toxins responsible for the neurotoxic signs are the latrotoxins.

What does a viper person mean?

a malicious or spiteful person
viper in American English a. a malicious or spiteful person. b. a treacherous person.

What is the biggest snake in Sri Lanka?

Indian Python
The Indian Python (Python molurus), which is the largest serpent in Sri Lanka, occurs throughout the Sinharaja forest region.