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RAUK - Archived Forum - Autohaemorrhaging in Snakes

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Autohaemorrhaging in Snakes:
Author Message
Mika
Member
Joined: 03 Apr 2006
No. of posts: 21


View other posts by Mika 		Posted: 07 Apr 2006

Morning all,

 

I was wondering whether anyone could provide some information on autohaemorrhaging in snakes? Which species do it (Grass snakes? Hog-noses? Wood?) and how do they do it? Any info greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Vicar
Senior Member
Joined: 02 Sep 2004
No. of posts: 1181


View other posts by Vicar 		Posted: 07 Apr 2006

I'm not aware of any snakes which are 'squirters', although I know of at least one Jamaican species which is a 'bleeder'.

I believe the mechanism involves increasing blood pressure in certain areas until a thin membrane fractures, I'll try to find a reference and add more detail.


Steve Langham - Chairman    
Surrey Amphibian & Reptile Group (SARG).
Mika
Member
Joined: 03 Apr 2006
No. of posts: 21


View other posts by Mika 		Posted: 07 Apr 2006
Thanks Steve, would appreciate that
Dan Kane
Senior Member
Joined: 30 Dec 2005
No. of posts: 201


View other posts by Dan Kane 		Posted: 07 Apr 2006
This link has some pics of Grass Snakes. If you click on it, there is a pic of a grassie bleeding from its mouth (autohaemorrhaging). http://community.webshots.com/photo/462649628/14632262530654 88803TUKCrS
Dan

www.randacumbria.moonfruit.com
Mika
Member
Joined: 03 Apr 2006
No. of posts: 21


View other posts by Mika 		Posted: 11 Apr 2006
Thanks Dan, that's a very interesting picture!
Dan Kane
Senior Member
Joined: 30 Dec 2005
No. of posts: 201


View other posts by Dan Kane 		Posted: 03 May 2006

Mika and Steve,

The species in which autohaemorrhaging has been observed are;

The Dwarf Boas, which bleed from their mouth and eyes, after forming a tight ball to protect themselves; Tropidophis greenwayi, T. haetianus, T. maculatus, T. melanurus, T. pardalis, T. semicinctus, from the West Indies, and T. parkeri, and T. paucisquamis from the mainland.

Also, Rhinocheilus lecontei bleeds from its cloaca and nostrils, Heterodon platyrhinos, which bleeds from its cloaca, prior to feigning death, and Nerodia erythrogaster, which bleeds from its gums. 

These species are "thrashers", and the increased blood pressure causes bleeding. Dwarf Boas have more control over their bleeding. All of these species are from North America.


Dan

www.randacumbria.moonfruit.com

- Autohaemorrhaging in Snakes

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