Re: Neruotoxic properties found in Crotalus horridus horridus...

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Posted by tj on November 18, 2002 at 11:27:30:

In Reply to: Neruotoxic properties found in Crotalus horridus horridus... posted by Jeremy G on November 18, 2002 at 08:43:58:

You made an interesting point about the "typical" habitats for each of subs. I think certain snakes can go against the grain and become quite adapted to certain landscapes. In NY, and in many other areas, s.c. catenatus is a swamp dwellar, but in Canada, there are populations that are found only in the rocky outcrops. So, I would think the whole horridus sub species thing (as confusing as it is), wouldn't really go primarily on the location aspect. Damn good question though. Comparison tests on venom, per each state, would be a great study to see how they all vary.
-tom

:Im curious, have neruotoxic properties been found in populations of ture Timbers and if so, are the quanities the same as in GA canebrakes or less? Also, regarding the Canebrakes, are the specimens recorded for haveing neruotoxic properties in their venom mostly neruotoxic(like the Mojaves) or do they have both properties equaly present?

:Lastly, have any test been done on the venom of South/Central western rangeing poulations of C.horridus from lets say Eastern Oklahoma and Northeastern Texas? If so, has thir been any variations in its compisition which may lead reseachers to seperate it from the other localities? I know venom relationships cant be the sole basis for seperateing a ssp but its a step.

:With regards to the last question, the reason I ask is when I went out to OK last yr, I was informed that the horridus found in the area were Canebrakes. On inspection of habbitat, I would have to diagree and say they are Timbers. The habbitat whcih they are known from around were I was staying(North Central/Eastern Oklahoma. Just west of Tulsa)is very hilly but has no true Mountains. However, the horridus in the region were found in the hills, utilizeing the same type of cover that our classic, typical eastern Timbers do (I.E Elevated rocky out croppings)Further south, closer to the coast, you have typical Canebrakes in typical lowland habbitats and to the North, typical Timbers in the Ozarks. So what would you call this "out in limbo" population? An intergrade range perhaps?(if you belive the 2 forms to be seperate that is)The animals I saw from this local were very "Canebrake" looking in apperance, with typical dorsal stripe and eye stripes but the habbitat and size just doesnt fit the Canebrake sterotype:-)

:Also, I remember reading awhile back that there was debate going on regarding western populations of horridus and im curious if the region I was reffering too falls into this catogory? God I wish I could remember that source.

:Well guys, thanks to anyone who can help me more completely understand my favorite sp of Crotalus.

:Thanks for reading!

:All the best,
:J

Follow Ups:

Re: Neruotoxic properties found in Crotalus horridus horridus... Jeremy G 11/18/02 (1)
- Re: Neruotoxic properties found in Crotalus horridus horridus... jared w 11/22/02 (0)