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Atractaspis (Serpentes, Atractaspididae) the burrowing asp; a multidisciplinary minireview
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 09 December 2002
Abstract
Dedication 91
History 91
Taxonomy 91
Distribution 92
Behaviour 92
Venom apparatus 93
Venom 93
Evolution 97
Acknowledgements 98
References 98
The family Atractaspididae is a highly modified derivative of a lineage that apparently arose early in the history of ‘colubroid’ snakes, and its taxonomy and relationship with other ophidian groups is still uncertain. Snakes of the genus Atractaspis have a characteristic venom apparatus, including the structure and function of the striking unit and of the venom glands. The composition of their venom is also unique in containing several low-molecular weight components, the sarafotoxins, which affect the cardiovascular system and are similar to the mammalian endothelins.
- Type
- Research Article
- Information
- Bulletin of the Natural History Museum: Zoology Series , Volume 68 , Issue 2 , 28 November 2002 , pp. 91 - 99
- Copyright
- © Natural History Museum, 2002
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