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speed of venom action
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by mtnmandan on July 28, 2004
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I have had several c.v.
helleri (So. Pacific
Rattlesnake) and c.
scutulatus (Mojave
rattlesnake) and
invariably the So. Pacific
venom drops the mouse
many times faster than
the Mojave venom which
is much stronger. Why?
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RE: speed of venom action
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by CSS15 on July 28, 2004
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I am not sure if it was the Northern Pacific or Southern Pacific I heard about recently. The study suggested that the species venom was evolving to allow for encroachment on their environment. The study was suggesting that the species was actually passing the Mojave on toxicity of venom. I do not remember where I saw this. It might have been on a Discovery show with the Loma Linda Doc who researches venom. I would suggest finding out if he can be contacted and asking him about it. The Mojave still remains number 12 on the intravenous LD50 though, so either way, don't get bit.
Good luck.
B.S.
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RE: speed of venom action
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by Phobos on July 29, 2004
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Dan:
The South Pac has a more "dual action" venom in my opinion than the Mojave. It seems to have both strong neurotoxic and hemorragic/hemolytic components in it's venom. It's really hard to say exactly why one seems to be more lethal than the other. Too many variables involved,real & imagined. The LD50 data published is just a "guide line"; people rely on it too much to answer these finer points. Venom characteristics vary from snake to snake, snake to region. The same applies for the prey species and it's sensitivity to venoms. It would make a good basis for a PhD thesis.
Best,
Al
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RE: speed of venom action
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by tj on July 29, 2004
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Good point about the fine line of ld50 charts. I personally don't pay too much attention to them anymore. Most have bushmasters way down on the bottom, yet a bite from any lachesis, even a baby, would most likely be life-threatening. It seems that southern pacifics are becoming one of the most dangerous of the rattlesnake species, some bites can be horrific. They are definitely an underestimated species in my book.
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