Venomous Animals - S

Scorpaena braziliensis
Scorpio maurus
Scorpio maurus palmatus
Sistrurus catenatus
Sistrurus miliarius
Synanceja trachynis

Scorpaena braziliensis

Identification

Family: Scorpaenidae

Scientific Names: Scorpaena grandicornis (in part) [ Note: Taxonomy of this whole family is currently unsettled. There are at least 59 currently recognized species in this genus. Some experts split this genus into several genera, & some recognize more than 60 spp. within this genus.]

Common Names: Brazilian scorpionfish, scorpionfish, barbfish, escorpiao, roscacio (ganso), manganga, escorpion pardo, goosehead scorpionfish

Description

Body relatively large, adults often >25 cm (1 ft.) long, body larger & rounded in front, tapered rapidly to rather blunt (in side view) laterally-flattened, tail. Eyes dorsal, w/ 13 grooved venom-dispensing spines within the dorsal fin, each w/ a pair of venom glands, & more such spines in the fairly short, wide pectoral & anal fins. Usually medium to deep reddish body w/ many mottled brown & whitish irregular blotches, bumps & projections. Usually blends well w/ bottom debris.

Click for Image [1] [2]

Habitat

Found mainly in shallow coastal marine waters, usually above rocky & silted bottom or reefs usually <20 m deep. Some related spp. occasionally found at >100 fathoms (600 ft.; 183 m). This species is limited to coastal areas along the western Atlantic Ocean & Caribbean Sea (from Virginia, U.S.A. to Bahia, Brazil).

Activity and Behavior

Typically slow-moving well-camouflaged bottom-dwelling fish of coral reefs w/ silted bottom (& often among protrusions or kelp). Usually waits partly-buried in bottom sand or debris for suitable prey to swim or crawl close enough for it to grab. If disturbed, usually erect dorsal fins w/ venom spines (may arch body toward threat, as well). Mainly eat marine invertebrates & fish. Bear live young. Much less active than Lionfish (Genus: Pterois).

Venom Characteristics

Mainly neurotoxic, w/ potent cytotoxic & hemotoxic factors, too. Usually causes immediate intense pain at envenomation site; pain, redness & swelling often radiate toward groin or armpit, may last several hours. Sometimes causes sweating, paleness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cardiac problems, unconsciousness, shock & occasionally even death.

Scorpio maurus

Identification

Family: Scorpionidae

Scientific Names: [Note: This geographically wide-spread species includes at least 19 currently recognized (named) subspecies, separable mainly via color differences, which vary in their reliability. One subspecies, S. m. palmatus, is of enough human concern (& interest) to be addressed separately.]

Common Names: Large-clawed scorpion, Israeli golden scorpion

Description

Small scorpion, adults usually 40-60 mm long (max. about 80 mm). Color varies from yellow (often w/ greenish tinge) to red-brown to dark brown. Dorsal prosoma smooth, tips of pincers (chelae) & sting (aculeus) usually dark reddish-brown to blackish. Relatively large, relatively short, thick pincers (pedipalpal chelae); relatively small, thin postabdoman (metasoma, or cauda) & stinger.

Click for Image [1]

Habitat

Mainly found in deserts or semi-arid sites, but can also be found in dry (or seasonally dry) forests. Only found where some loose substate (e.g., sandy soil, organic debris) allows it to burrow 20-70 cm deep, often under a larger rock. Usually found in warm locations, but can survive down to 10-15 degrees C.

Activity and Behavior

Terrestrial (but climbs), & mainly nocturnal. Hides in its burrow w/ a slightly enlarged terminal chamber during the day. In some areas, may enter diapause ("hibernate") during cold months. Preys on available insects & other arthropods. Burrows often found in clusters ("colonies"), each scorpion w/ its own burrow. If disturbed, it seldom tries to sting, but very quickly attacks any intruder w/ its claws (pincers).

Venom Characteristics

Relatively mild neurotoxic venom, w/ cytotoxic & hemotoxic factors. Envenomation usually causes moderate to severe local pain, sometimes limited local swelling & redness, which usually resolves in less than 24 hrs. w/ only symptomatic treatment.

Scorpio maurus palmatus

Identification

Family: Scorpionidae

Scientific Names: Scorpio maurus (in part) [ Note: This is only one of at least 19 subspecies of this species, which are distinguishable (to some degree) mainly based on color/ color pattern differences. The morphology & physiology of this subspecies has been rather well-studied, as has the structure, biochemistry, & action of its venom.]

Common Names: Golden desert scorpion, large-clawed yellow scorpion, large-clawed palm scorpion

Description

For a good general physical description, See Scorpio maurus. This subspecies is typically yellow to greenish to pale olive-brown (rarely w/ red-brown tinge).

Click for Image [1]

Habitat

Mainly found in warm, drier (more xeric) or semi-desert habitats, w/ sandy soil, organic debris or other loose, semi-consolidated substrate in which it can construct a burrow 20-70 cm long, usually w/ a slightly enlarged chamber at its end. Mainly found in suitable habitats across northern Africa & the Middle East. May be present in, but not yet reported from, several additional countries (e.g, Mauritania, Oman, Afghanistan, Pakistan).

Activity and Behavior

Mainly nocturnal & terrestrial (actually burrowing, or 'fossorial') but climbs rough surfaces well. Ovoviviparous, litter size varies (8-20+ reported). Preys on available small insects & other arthropods. Tend to congregate in many closely-clustered burrows ("colonies") in rather small suitable sites. Readily & aggressively attacks any intruder w/ its claws, but seldom attempts to sting, except to subdue larger prey.

Venom Characteristics

Mildly neurotoxic, w/ cytotoxic & possibly hemotoxic factors; usually causes only local pain, slight swelling & redness at sting site. No human fatalities reported. Maurotoxin, a new type of toxin w/ 4 disulfide bridges, was first isolated from specimens of this subspecies from northern Africa (Tunisia). This represented a new class of natural biologic toxins which have since been extensively characterized & studied, mainly in European labs.

Sistrurus catenatus

Identification

Family: Viperidae

Scientific Names: Caudisoma edwardsii, C. tergemina, Crotalinus catenatus, Crotalophorus consors, C. catenatus catenatus, C. c. edwardsii, C. edwardsii, C. kirtlandi, C. tergeminus, Crotulurus catenatus, Crotalus consors, C. massasauga, C. miliarius, C. catenatus edwardsii, Sistrurus catenatus consors, S. c. catenatus, S. c. edwardsii, S. c. tergeminus, S. edwardsii

Common Names: Massasauga, black massasauga, black rattler, black snapper, gray rattlesnake, little gray rattlesnake, muck rattler, prairie rattlesnake, pygmy rattler, sauger, spotted rattler, swamp rattler, vibora de cascabel

Description

Relatively small rattlesnake, adults usually 50-70 cm long (max. 100+ cm). Top of head w/ several very large scales vs. many small ones. Body pale brown to gray-brown, w/ a series of darker brown irregular ovoid mid-dorsal blotches (edged w/ white or pale gray), & various additional smaller lateral blotches. Belly white or cream w/ dark gray or brownish blotches along sides. Dark postocular stripe, tail ends in series of paired "rattles," 23-27 midbody dorsal scale rows.

Click for Image [1]

Habitat

Found mainly in open, low-lying areas like moist bogs, marshes, grassy meadows, rolling plains, prairies, open deciduous forest, rocky hillsides, limestone outcroppings, brushy sand dunes, & desert margins. Occurs from Ontario, Canada (north of the Great Lakes) in a wide band down through the central & midwestern U.S. & into northern Mexico (limited relict populations). Usually found near streams or other water sources, up to 1,500 m elevation.

Activity and Behavior

Mainly terrestrial & nocturnal. Sluggish & relatively nonaggressive, but if threatened, w/ no ready escape route, rattlesnakes usually will coil w/ the head & neck thrown back in a horizontal S-shaped loop, hiss, rattle, & if further provoked can strike quickly. Ovoviviparous, 4-20 young/ litter. Prey on small mammals, lizards, & occasionally, invertebrates.

Venom Characteristics

Mainly hemotoxic; may also have potent tissue-necrotic factors. Thus, some symptoms similar to those of Elapid bites could be expected. Capable of producing moderate local pain & swelling. Envenomations are rarely very serious, & human fatalities are recorded, but are extremely uncommon.

Sistrurus miliarius

Identification

Family: Viperidae

Scientific Names: Caudisonia miliaria, Crotalophosus miliarius, Crotalus miliarius, Sistrurus miliarius barbouri, S. m. miliarius, S. m. streckeri

Common Names: Pygmy rattlesnake, bastard rattlesnake, dwarf rattlesnake, ground rattler, hog-nosed rattler, alba, ihaanikosi, haco-layci, hacolaycosi, oak-leaf rattler, pygmy ground rattlesnake, southern pygmy rattlesnake, spotted rattlesnake, (plus several more very similar common names)

Description

Small rettlesnake, adults usually 40-60 cm long (max. 80+ cm). Top of head w/ several very large scales instead of only lots of small ones. Side of head usually lacking both a distinct pale stripe & a dark postorbital stripe. Dorsal body pattern is usually a series of dark brownish (almost black) irregular rhomboidal blotches, w/ a row of smaller ones along each side. Belly white to pale gray, w/ darker speckling along sides. Tail ends in paired "rattles," usually 23 midbody dorsal scale rows.

Click for Image [1]

Habitat

Primarily found in open areas like meadows or areas covered in low vegetation, most abundant in flat areas like plateaus, floodplains, alluvial fans, or basins. Occurs throughout most of the southeastern U.S.; from North Carolina through peninsular Florida, then west to central Oklahoma, & east-cental Texas; found from sea level to about 500 m elevation.

Activity and Behavior

Mainly terrestrial & nocturnal. Sluggish & non-aggressive by day, but if threatened, will coil, hold head & neck in a raised S-shaped loop, hiss, & rattle; may strike if further molested. Ovoviviparous, 2-18/ litter. Prey mainly on various available toads, small mammals, lizards, & arthropods.

Venom Characteristics

Mainly hemotoxic; possibly also w/ tissue-necrotic factors. This species has venom of relatively low toxicity, & produces only moderate envenomation. Usually very painful at the bite site (sometimes for several days) w/ limited local swelling & necrosis. No human fatalities reported.

Synanceja trachynis

Identification

Family: Scorpaenidae

Scientific Names: Synanceia trachynis [Note: There are >1,000 currently named species in at least 67 current genera in this boney-fish Family (Scorpaenidae). This is one of 3 current very similar-looking species in this genus which can cause severe human envenomations & fatalities. The other 2 are Synanceja horrida & S. verrusosa. Other species in this family, some Scorpion fish & some Zebra (Lion) fish (some common in the pet trade), can also cause serious human envenomation & rarely, death.]

Common Names: Stone fish, goblin fish, nofu, warty-ghoul, rock fish, lump fish, poison fish, scorpion fish

Description

Usually mottled greenish-brown (often w/ red or gray flecks/ blotches), many stone-like bumps & flap-like projections over most of its body make it very hard to detect in typical resting sites. Body relatively large, rounded in front, tapers to much smaller, rounded tail, eyes dorsal, w/ 13 grooved poison-dispensing spines within the dorsal fin, each w/ a pair of venom glands, & more such spines in the relatively short, wide pectoral & anal fins. Adults usually about 30 cm long.

Click for Image [1]

Habitat

Found mainly in moderately shallow (mainly marine, sometimes brackish) waters above coral reefs or in near-shore coastal shallows usually over at least partly sandy bottoms. Widespread along the coasts of nearly every country that borders the Indian & southwestern Pacific Oceans (not yet reported from some), mainly north of the Tropic of Capricorn & mainly south of the Tropic of Cancer.

Activity and Behavior

Typically rest on the bottom among protruding coral knobs, & any bottom plants or animals (e.g., sponges, annemonies), usually in water <20 m deep. Often lie partly hidden under sand & bottom debris. Can live out of water for many hours. Usually ambush & eat mainly smaller fish & marine arthropods that pass by them.

Venom Characteristics

Very potent neurotoxin w/ cytotoxic & possibly hemolytic factors (some spp. also have hyaluronidase & pre-synaptic transmitter blockers). Venom of most spp. is unstable at pH <5.5 or >9.0, & at temperatures above 50 degrees C. Spines can usually penetrate sand shoes when the fish is stepped on (or gloves when handled). Numerous human envenomations & deaths have been documented.